TSU defends left-wing mob that chased conservative debaters off campus

Tennessee State University (TSU) has claimed that its students were "professional and respectful" when a group of people gathered to scream and repeatedly steal and destroy signs Cam Higby and David Khait were using at a tabling event on Tuesday at the college campus for their group “Fearless Debates.” One person in the left-wing group was seen armed with a screwdriver as security escorted Higby and Khait off the college grounds.

Footage from Higby showed multiple people on the campus stealing the signs, which had conservative viewpoints displayed such as "DEI should be illegal," and "Deport all illegals now! Let's talk." The school has said that the tabling event from Higby and Khait was not authorized.

"Today, a group of individuals unaffiliated with Tennessee State University appeared on campus without prior notice," the university said in reference to Higby and Khait, adding, "In accordance with university policy, any demonstration or protest activity requires advance approval and permitting. Campus police and staff responded promptly, and the individuals were escorted from university grounds without incident. At all times, TSU students conducted themselves in a professional and respectful manner. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. TSU will continue to uphold university policies and ensure that campus remains a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for all members of our community."

The school, however, has shut off the comments to the post as well as several others on the college's social timeline after Higby released the footage showing that when he was on campus, he was not treated "professionally" nor "respectfully" by a mob that gathered to chase him and Khait off campus.

Additionally, an email was sent out by the campus administration claiming that Higby and Khait took to campus in an "attempt to undermine the safety" of students at TSU and called Fearless Debates "hostile" for the act of tabling on campus and engaging in the debates.

"A group not affiliated with TSU, identifying themselves as "Fearless Debates," appeared on campus without approval or notice. It has been brought to our attention that 'Fearless Debates,' has visited several other universities across the country. At TSU, the group carried poster boards with messages such as 'Deport All Illegals Now' and 'DEI Should Be Illegal.'"

"The presence of hostile groups on our campus is not merely a political statement; it is an attempt to draw attention to their views by creating visibility at the expense of Tennessee State University students. While we recognize and uphold the constitutional right to free speech, we also understand there is a difference between exercising this right and engaging in actions that seek to disrupt, demean, and incite fear within our community," the email stated.

"TSU Police Department, Metro Police Department, and staff responded swiftly by assessing the situation for any potential threat, deescalated and escorted the individuals from university grounds without incident. TSU will not tolerate attempts to undermine the safety or value of our community. We stand in solidarity with our students and staff. We remain committed to ensuring our campus is a sanctuary for dialogue and education."

After the event, Higby said he posted video of his security guard being harassed and followed by some of the students, where the group yelled in the guard's face.