Two students from separate Texas universities are no longer enrolled following the circulation of videos showing them making controversial remarks about the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incidents at Texas State University and Texas Tech University have drawn condemnation from university officials and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, intensifying a statewide debate over free speech on college campuses.
Key Takeaways
- A student from Texas State University is no longer enrolled after a video showed them mocking the death of Charlie Kirk.
- A second student from Texas Tech University is also no longer enrolled after a separate video showed her dancing and shouting at students mourning Kirk.
- The Texas Tech student was arrested and charged with assault in connection with the incident.
- Governor Greg Abbott publicly condemned the students' actions and has called for consequences for educators making similar remarks.
- The events have prompted the formation of a new legislative committee to examine free speech and security on Texas university campuses.
Details of the University Incidents
The two separate events at major Texas universities gained widespread attention after videos were shared extensively on social media platforms. Both universities have since confirmed that the students involved are no longer part of their student bodies.
Texas State University Action
Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse announced that a student involved in a viral video is no longer enrolled. The video reportedly showed the student pantomiming the death of Charlie Kirk and using profane language directed at the late activist.
In a public statement, President Damphousse addressed the situation directly. He emphasized that such behavior would not be accepted at the university.
"I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses," Damphousse stated. "It is antithetical to our TXST values."
Texas Tech University Incident and Arrest
In a separate case, Texas Tech University confirmed that a student is no longer enrolled after her actions were also captured on video. The footage showed her dancing and shouting obscenities at a group of students who were mourning Kirk's death.
The situation at Texas Tech escalated further. The Lubbock County Sheriff's Office confirmed the student was arrested and charged with assault. Video footage appears to show her making physical contact with a hat worn by a male student in the mourning group. She was later released on bond.
Official Statement
Texas Tech University released a statement condemning the behavior, saying, "Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and is not aligned with our values."
State Government Response and Political Pressure
The incidents quickly drew the attention of top Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, who has been vocal about his stance on conduct within the state's public universities. The response has included public statements and the formation of a new legislative body.
Governor Abbott's Involvement
Governor Abbott shared a photo of the Texas Tech student's arrest on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. His post included the acronym "FAFO," which stands for "F--- around and find out."
The governor's involvement extends beyond the university students. He also announced that over 100 K-12 educators in Texas are set to lose their teaching certifications due to public remarks about Kirk's death that he described as inciting violence. This action signals a broader crackdown on public employees' speech related to the event.
Background on Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization focused on promoting conservative ideas on high school and college campuses. He was shot and killed on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. His death has become a major flashpoint in political discourse across the country.
New Legislative Committee Formed
In response to what they called an "appalling" reaction to Kirk's death on campuses, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows announced a new legislative committee. This committee is tasked with investigating civil discourse, free speech, and security at Texas's higher education institutions.
Free Speech Debate Intensifies
The removal of the students and the actions taken against educators have fueled an already intense national debate about the limits of free speech, particularly within educational institutions. Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the potential for political pressure to stifle expression.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
PEN America, a nonprofit organization that advocates for free expression, issued a warning about the recent terminations. The group cautioned that such actions, especially when influenced by political figures, could set a dangerous precedent for academic freedom.
"Colleges and universities risk undermining free inquiry and academic freedom if they treat all online expression as grounds for termination," said Kristen Shahverdian, the organization's program director for campus free speech. "Universities should rebuke violent rhetoric and condemn offensive speech, but they should not impose blanket firings on protected speech."
Pattern of Political Influence
Critics point to a pattern of Governor Abbott exerting pressure on public universities. Prior to these incidents, a professor at Texas A&M University was fired after the governor publicly criticized her for teaching about gender identity in a children's literature course. Similarly, a professor at Texas State University lost his job after making remarks about rebellion at a conference. Both former professors are reportedly considering legal action to challenge their dismissals.
The recent events at Texas State and Texas Tech are now central to this ongoing discussion, highlighting the complex intersection of student conduct, political speech, and university governance in a highly charged political climate.
