Bob Caslen

This episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 5, 2021, features: a look at the closely-watched Columbia mayoral election; former University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen's choice words regarding his tenue at the school; the impact of COVID-19 on children; and more.

Former University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen called taking the job to lead the school the biggest regret of his life. Caslen spoke to The Post and Courier newspaper after the paper reviewed 3,800 pages of his emails. Caslen served as president less than two years leaving in the wake of a plagiarism controversy during a May commencement speech. Caslen also called the school "The University of California" in that same address. Caslen wrote in the emails that South Carolina and the university were the most hostile and destructive community he has even known. Caslen told the newspaper he still feels that way five months later.

The embattled president of the University of South Carolina resigned on Wednesday, days after he delivered a commencement address marred by allegations of plagiarism and a misidentification of the school itself.

Trustees at the University of South Carolina have refused to accept the resignation of the school's embattled president following a commencement address marred by allegations of plagiarism and misidentification of the school itself.