Illinois State University graduate student who flipped TPUSA table fired from teaching assistant position
A graduate student at Illinois State University (ISU) was arrested and fired after a viral video showed him flipping over a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) table on campus. The clip of the incident spread quickly online and sparked a debate about free speech and campus safety.
What happened
On Saturday, 27‑year‑old Derek Lopez stormed to a TPUSA table that was promoting a conservative comedian’s October 20 event. The video shows Lopez shouting, “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you gotta do it, right?” before he tried to rip the tablecloth. Instead of taking the cloth, he toppled the entire table.
The incident was captured by fellow students and uploaded to social media, where it went viral almost instantly. Many viewers praised the dramatic move, while others argued it crossed the line into property damage.
Campus response
The next day, ISU confirmed that Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending a full investigation. The university did not give details about disciplinary action or the status of his graduate program. The administration emphasized that they support students’ First Amendment rights, but also stressed the importance of respectful and lawful behavior on campus.
Legal outcome
Lopez was arrested on Friday and faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Police authorities also reported a second incident in which he disrupted another student group’s informational table.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing campus tensions around political expression and how student protests can sometimes turn dangerous. ISU’s quick action illustrates a broader trend: universities are balancing free‑speech protections with the need to keep campuses safe.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Student | Derek Lopez, 27, ISU graduate student |
| Incident | Flipped a Turning Point USA table on campus |
| Status | Arrested, charged with disorderly conduct and property damage; fired from TA position |
| Charges | Disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property |
| Campus stance | Supports free‑speech rights; encourages respectful responses to disagreement |
Animal breeders and religious protests may seem far away, but how a student reacts to a political table can spark national conversations about campus culture, property rights, and the limits of free speech. ISU’s handling of the situation may set a precedent for how similar incidents are addressed at other universities across the country.
Source: New York Post
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