Conservative students at Ohio University faced harassment and an alleged gun threat during a campus tabling event, raising renewed concerns about safety and viewpoint discrimination at public universities. The incident occurred while students affiliated with a conservative organization were engaging classmates in political discussion. University officials have confirmed the incident is under review.
According to reporting by The College Fix, members of a Turning Point USA chapter were tabling on campus at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, when a man began verbally harassing them. The individual allegedly made threatening remarks, including referencing a firearm, before leaving the area. Students reported feeling unsafe and contacted campus police.
The students were affiliated with Turning Point USA, a national group that promotes conservative principles such as limited government, free markets, and free speech. Witnesses said the confrontation escalated quickly, with the man directing hostility specifically toward the group’s political message. No physical violence was reported, but students said the comments crossed from harassment into intimidation.
Ohio University police responded to the scene and took statements from the students. The university later confirmed it was aware of the incident and reviewing available information. At the time of reporting, no arrest had been announced, and officials did not disclose whether the individual was a student or an outside agitator.
Campus free speech advocates argue the incident reflects a broader pattern in which conservative students face hostility while expressing their views. They point to repeated cases nationwide where conservative groups are targeted during peaceful events, while university administrations are slow to act unless incidents draw public attention.
Ohio University is a public institution, which places a legal obligation on administrators to protect students’ First Amendment rights and ensure equal access to campus spaces. Critics say failure to respond decisively to threats chills free expression and creates a hostile environment for students with dissenting views.
Turning Point USA officials said students should not fear violence or intimidation for engaging in lawful political activity. They called on university leaders to treat threats seriously and ensure campus police enforce the law equally, regardless of political ideology.
