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Illinois State University Teacher's Assistant Arrested for Alleged Disorderly Conduct
Derek Lopez faces charges after disrupting two campus events, with officials highlighting the importance of protecting free speech and campus safety, police said.
- On Oct. 17, 2025, Derek Lopez, 27-year-old graduate student and teaching assistant at Illinois State University, was arrested in Normal, Ill., on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.
- A graduate teaching assistant at Illinois State University allegedly disrupted two informational tabling events last week hosted by a registered student organization affiliated with Turning Point USA.
- Videos widely shared on social media show a man overturning a table display linked to a student organization affiliated with Turning Point USA, and the organization contacted Illinois State University Police Department .
- Illinois State University placed Lopez on administrative leave, and ISU officials said `we can confirm Derek Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation,` while the case may lead to additional charges and University disciplinary action.
- Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said the university will protect First Amendment rights and campus safety, and officials reminded that suspects are presumed innocent while investigations continue.
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ISU teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'
An Illinois State University faculty member was arrested after he was accused of flipping a Turning Point USA student group's table and tearing down promotional flyers on campus last week.
·Chicago, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left1Leaning Right6Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center, 46% Right
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center, 46% of the sources lean Right
46% Right
C 46%
R 46%
Factuality
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