Identity of Speakers
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Tomi Lahren
Unaffiliated
Invited for non-academic lectureTomi Lahren is a conservative speaker. She is a media contributor on Fox News, and she hosts a show on OutKick.com titled "Tomi Lahren is Fearless."
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
Recognized student group event
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Incident Political Orientation:
Right wing -
Incident Responses:
University investigation not issuing in sanctions
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
Tomi Lahren, a conservative speaker popular on Fox News and OutKick.com, was invited to speak at the University of New Mexico by the campus’ student branch of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). This event was scheduled to last from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. However, once Tomi Lahren finished her speech at 8:00pm, the decision was made that protestors had become too disruptive to continue the question and answer portion. Therefore, the event was concluded an hour early.
The student protestors voiced their disagreements with Tomi Lahren peacefully while outside the event. However, once the protestors gained entry into the ballroom where the event was being held, the disruptions became more severe. Protestors reportedly loudly banged on the walls and tables, putting a hole in one of the walls, and someone pulled the fire alarm. TPUSA stated that Tomi Lahren and her guests were forced to “barricade” themselves in a separate room for 45 minutes until they could safely leave.
The University of New Mexico issued a statement that has received praise from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The University denounced the disruption, highlighting the high priority it places on free speech and the safety of those invited on campus. The University additionally called attention to reports that TPUSA was denying entry to students with tickets based on their appearance. The University announced that it would launch an investigation and appropriately discipline those that violated the law or University policies.
