An Illinois State University graduate student and teaching assistant has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage following a campus incident in which he overturned a table belonging to the student chapter of a conservative organization and tore down its flyers.
Video of the event shows 27-year-old Derek Lopez engaging briefly with students at the table—set up to promote an upcoming event—before tipping it over and scattering materials onto the floor. In the footage, Lopez states, “Well, you know, Jesus did it, so you know I gotta do it, right?” and launches into the act, then walks away saying, “Thanks guys, have a great day.”
According to campus police, the incident occurred early Friday morning on the Normal, Illinois campus. Authorities report that Lopez also allegedly disrupted another student organization’s table during the same week. The university confirmed that Lopez has been relieved of his teaching duties pending further review of the case.
In response, the university issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to protecting free speech and encouraging respectful engagement among students with differing viewpoints. Investigators are continuing their work, and university officials say disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.