Illinois State U. faculty member fired after flipping Turning Point table, saying ‘Jesus did it’

An Illinois State University graduate teaching assistant was fired Monday after overturning a Turning Point USA table on campus and comparing his actions to Jesus’.

“While Illinois State University does not comment specifically on personnel matters, we can confirm Derek Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation,” ISU Director of Media Relations Chris Coplan said, according to the student newspaper, The Vidette.

The teaching assistant was captured on video flipping over the conservative group’s display of pins and flyers in a clip that quickly went viral on X.

“Jesus did it, so I’ve got to do it too, right?” Lopez said to a student before overturning the group’s table.

“Thanks guys, have a great day,” the teaching assistant said as he walked away. 

The TPUSA group was promoting an upcoming event for political commentator and comedian Alex Stein, The New York Post reported.

After allegedly disrupting another student group’s table, Lopez was arrested “on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property,” according to a Facebook post from the ISU Police Department.

“Over the last week Lopez is alleged to have disrupted two informational tabling events being hosted by a registered student organization. ISUPD was contacted by the registered student organization following the escalation leading to an investigation, identification, and arrest,” the police department stated. 

It also stated that the “case is pending and may be grounds for additional charges and University disciplinary action.”

University Police Department Chief Aaron Woodruff stated that law enforcement is “committed to protecting the First Amendment rights as well as safety of everyone in our campus community.” 

“We encourage all members of our community to learn more about free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including constructive ways to respond when encountering speech they may disagree with,” he stated. 

Responding to the incident, ISU wrote on X that it “recognizes the diverse perspectives” on campus and “expect[s] everyone to listen and respond to opposing views with civility.”

ISU has also garnered attention recently after its student newspaper covered an event hosted by the campus chapters of Young America’s Foundation and College Republicans. It featured Chloe Cole, a detransitioner who speaks out against gender-affirming care for minors, The College Fix reported.

In the article, Editor-in-Chief Vivi Hughes described Cole as an “anti-trans activist.” The piece also included a content warning for “transgender discrimination” and “explicit language.”

MORE: U. Oklahoma police investigate multiple reports of TPUSA signs being stolen