(The Center Square) – There are more calls for an investigation into the alleged last week’s table-flipping incident at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on election day.
Assembly Campaigns and Elections Committee Chairman Rep. Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, said the university needs to find out how and why a university professor allegedly flipped a campaign table from the College Republicans not long after the polls opened last week.
“This act of aggression is yet another clear example of the deranged left losing their minds when confronted with differing views,” Maxey said. “Universities should champion free speech, not coddle faculty who lash out at students for their political beliefs.”
That professor, José Felipe Alvergue, was cited for throwing the table on its side and storming off.
UW-Eau Claire said last Tuesday that it was already looking into Alvergue’s alleged behavior. He has since been demoted as the head of the English Department.
Maxey said he wants a “full and transparent investigation.”
“Such behavior cannot be tolerated if our academic institutions are to uphold their core principles,” Maxey added. “Political violence of any kind is never the answer.”
The number two Republican on the campaign committee, Rep. Scott Krug, R-Rome, agreed.
“Whether it’s this liberal professor flipping over a College Republican table on campus or violent leftwing terrorists firebombing Tesla vehicles and dealerships, these individuals must be held accountable,” Krug said.
Neither lawmaker is saying if they intend to start an investigation in their committee.
But Krug said something clearly needs to change within the University of Wisconsin system.
“It is astonishing that a professor would feel even remotely comfortable on a University of Wisconsin System campus to conduct himself in such a manner,” Krug said. “This cannot happen again.”
UW-Eau Claire has not said when it expects its internal investigation to be completed.
Alvergue has not yet responded to his citation from campus police in the case.
