Texas State University Removes Student After Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Death: Ongoing Clampdowns on Controversial Behavior

A Texas State University student is no longer enrolled after a video surfaced showing him mocking the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This incident highlights a growing trend in Texas colleges where students face severe repercussions for their online behavior.

In the now-viral video, the student mimics Kirk’s fatal injury while making light of the situation. Governor Greg Abbott caught wind of this and called for immediate action against the student, tweeting, “Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences.” Within hours, the university confirmed the student had been identified and was no longer part of the institution. The exact circumstances—whether he was expelled or voluntarily withdrew—aren’t clear.

University President Kelly Damphousse described the student’s actions as “disturbing” and emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated. He remarked, “I will not tolerate behavior that mocks, trivializes, or promotes violence on our campuses.”

This incident reflects a broader climate in Texas education, especially after Kirk’s tragic shooting during a recent event. Since then, there has been a notable backlash against anyone perceived to be mocking or criticizing him. For instance, a student at Texas Tech University faced arrest for arguing with another student about Kirk. Similarly, several teachers have been fired for online comments related to his death.

Critics, including faculty and advocacy groups, worry these swift actions might infringe on First Amendment rights. They argue that the fear of reprimand could stifle free speech in academic settings. In a surprising twist, there have been investigations into behaviors and comments unrelated to Kirk, demonstrating a larger wave of scrutiny on campus discourse. For instance, a Texas State professor was terminated following comments made during an online conference.

The backdrop of these events includes legislative moves by Republican lawmakers aiming to regulate student protests and the balance of free speech on college campuses. Recently passed laws seek to outline when and how students can protest, raising concerns about potential restrictions on free expression.

Historically, Texas has made efforts to bolster free speech, as evident in legislation passed in 2019 aimed at protecting it on campus. Yet, the current wave of actions against students suggests a shift, as lawmakers increasingly influence campus policies.

In response to the outcry following the incident, Damphousse has urged for thoughtful dialogue rather than scapegoating the entire student body. He emphasized the importance of separating the actions of one individual from the larger community.

As these events unfold, they reveal the complexities of navigating campus free speech in a politically charged atmosphere. Discussions around what constitutes acceptable behavior continue to evolve, reflecting a society increasingly divided over sensitive topics.

For more on free speech in educational environments, see the Texas A&M University’s free speech policies for historical context.

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