The University of Texas at Tyler is speaking out after a violent incident on campus this week. UT Tyler President Julie Philley sent a statement to students after three people were assaulted during a Turning Point USA student event on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
What Happened
According to the university’s statement, the person behind the assault is not a UT Tyler student. That person attacked three people during the Turning Point USA event.
Campus Police Responded Quickly
The university says UT Tyler police responded right away. Officers arrested the individual and criminally trespassed them from the university, which bars them from returning to campus.
“Violence Will Not Be Tolerated”
In her message to students, Philley drew a clear line between free expression and violence. “Everyone has the right to free speech, and violence will not be tolerated at this university,” the statement said.
The message is meant to reassure students that UT Tyler stays open to all viewpoints while making clear that physical attacks have no place on campus.
What We Still Don’t Know
The university has not publicly named the person arrested. It also hasn’t shared details about the condition of the three people who were assaulted or what led up to the attack. More information may come out as the case moves forward.
The Bottom Line
A non-student assaulted three people at a Turning Point USA event at UT Tyler on Tuesday. Campus police arrested the person right away and banned them from the university. President Julie Philley is reminding students that free speech is protected on campus and violence will not be tolerated.