A University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire professor has been suspended for one academic year without pay after flipping over a College Republicans’ table on Election Day. The disciplinary action includes removal from his department chair role and mandatory civil discourse training. The incident raised concerns over free speech and political tolerance in higher education.
José Felipe Alvergue, chair of the English department and tenured professor, confronted a group of conservative students on April 2, 2024, during a tabling event outside a polling place on campus. After questioning their presence, Alvergue flipped the table, disrupting their display. The university launched an investigation shortly after and placed him on administrative leave.
The College Republicans reported the incident to university administrators and local authorities. The university determined Alvergue violated professional conduct standards. As part of the settlement agreement, Alvergue must also write apology letters to the students, the faculty senate, and the chancellor. He forfeits his pending promotion to full professor and will return to teaching in fall 2026 only after completing anger management and civil discourse training.
UW–Eau Claire’s interim provost, Michael Carney, stated that while the university supports free expression, it must be exercised civilly. The Universities of Wisconsin system supported the suspension as being in the best interest of the academic community.
Video footage captured the moment the professor flipped the table, which circulated online and fueled backlash. Conservative student groups called for accountability and stronger protections for political speech on campus. The university’s response, though disciplinary, avoided termination and framed the punishment as a resolution for ensuring respectful political discourse.
Alvergue has not commented publicly. University officials indicated no further disciplinary action will follow if he complies with the settlement terms.
