UPDATE: A faculty member at Illinois State University was arrested on September 15, 2023, after an incident involving the flipping of a table set up by the conservative student group Turning Point USA. This shocking event, which has sparked widespread outrage, was captured on video and is making headlines across the nation.
Derek Lopez, a 27-year-old graduate student and teaching assistant, was filmed tipping over the Turning Point USA table while promoting political comedian Alex Stein‘s upcoming event. In the video, Lopez can be heard justifying his actions by saying, “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?” before he proceeded to disrupt the event.
Lopez allegedly continued his disruptive behavior by targeting a second informational table hosted by another student group. Following the incident, Illinois State University Police arrested him and charged him with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. The police have indicated that the case is ongoing and may lead to additional charges and university disciplinary actions.
Police Chief Aaron Woodruff emphasized the university’s commitment to protecting the First Amendment rights of all students. “We encourage all members of our community to learn more about free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University,” he stated. Woodruff added that the university promotes constructive responses to differing viewpoints.
The incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding free speech on campus. Turning Point USA, co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been at the forefront of political discourse, especially following Kirk’s tragic murder at an event in Utah last month.
This developing story raises critical questions about the state of free speech and political expression in educational institutions. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering what actions the university will take against Lopez and how it will address the broader implications for student groups on campus.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
