San Marcos, TX — Texas State University (TXST) has expelled a student following a widely circulated video that captured the individual mocking the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at an on-campus event. The incident, which occurred on Monday at the San Marcos campus, quickly gained national attention and sparked intense debate both within the university community and beyond.

University President Kelly Damphousse addressed the situation in a letter sent to the TXST community, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and the university’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

The Incident and Immediate Response

Early Tuesday morning, a video surfaced online showing a TXST student engaging in what President Damphousse described as “reprehensible behavior.” The footage, recorded during a campus event, depicted the student making insensitive remarks regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent political figure. The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting strong reactions from viewers nationwide.

By Tuesday afternoon, university officials had identified the individual in the video as a current student. In his letter, President Damphousse confirmed that the student is no longer enrolled at Texas State University, though he noted that federal privacy laws prevent the university from disclosing specific details about individual disciplinary actions.

President’s Statement to the Community

President Damphousse’s letter sought to reassure the university community and address concerns arising from the incident. “As you may be aware, a video surfaced this morning of reprehensible behavior that took place during an event on the San Marcos Campus Monday,” he wrote. “This afternoon, university officials identified the individual in the video as a TXST student. Although federal law prevents me or the university from commenting on individual student conduct matters, I can report that the individual is no longer a student at TXST.”

He acknowledged the emotional impact the video has had on students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. “The video understandably evoked strong emotions here and across the country,” he stated. Damphousse emphasized that the actions of one individual should not be seen as representative of the university or its student body. “Unfortunately, some people are suggesting that the individual’s actions represent the beliefs of TXST students in general or those of specific student organizations. These kinds of insinuations are unfair to our student body, and they cause some of our students to feel unsafe. Just as the behavior in the video was reprehensible, attempts to spread the blame onto innocent students are also unacceptable. The actions of one person do not reflect our entire community or the individuals in it.”

Call for Calm and Community Support

In his message, President Damphousse called for calm and urged the community to respond with measured dialogue rather than reactionary behavior. “This is a time for calm, for measured response and dialogue, and for keeping ourselves and each other safe. As always, the safety of our campus community is at the heart of every decision that I make. We must not allow this situation to get the best of us. We can disagree on issues, but we cannot allow ourselves to be pulled into a situation where we are adding to the anxiety on our campus. That is not who we are, and that is not who we will become.”

He encouraged students and staff to be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on others, reminding them of the university’s foundational values of inclusion and respect. “I am asking that each of us consider the impact that our words and actions can have on those around us. From my first moment as the TXST president, I have espoused the ideal that we (all of us) belong here. I have never wavered in that expectation (or in that hope). While I cannot control what others say or do, I can control how I respond to them. I ask that we all seek ways to lift our campus up to its noblest aspirations in the days and weeks.”

Community Reaction and Ongoing Discussion

The university’s decision to expel the student has received a mixed response, with some applauding the administration for taking swift action, while others have raised questions about free speech and the boundaries of acceptable conduct. Social media platforms have seen a surge in commentary, with many users expressing concern about the tone of discourse on college campuses and the responsibilities of educational institutions to foster respectful environments.

Student organizations at TXST have released statements distancing themselves from the incident, reiterating their commitment to respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. Several faculty members have also spoken out, emphasizing the importance of upholding the university’s standards of conduct and creating spaces where all students feel safe.

The Broader Context: Free Speech and Campus Culture

The incident at Texas State University is part of a larger national conversation about free speech, campus culture, and the responsibilities of universities in addressing controversial or offensive behavior. As social media continues to amplify incidents that occur on college campuses, university leaders are increasingly tasked with balancing the principles of free expression with the need to maintain inclusive and respectful communities.

President Damphousse’s letter reflects this delicate balance, acknowledging the pain caused by the incident while urging the community to avoid broad generalizations and divisive rhetoric. “We can disagree on issues, but we cannot allow ourselves to be pulled into a situation where we are adding to the anxiety on our campus,” he wrote.

Looking Forward: Rebuilding Trust and Community

As Texas State University moves forward, the administration is focused on supporting students and rebuilding trust within the campus community. Counseling and support services have been made available for those affected by the incident, and university officials are working to facilitate open forums where students and staff can discuss their concerns.

President Damphousse concluded his letter with a call to action: “I ask that we all seek ways to lift our campus up to its noblest aspirations in the days and weeks.” The university’s response highlights an ongoing commitment to fostering a campus culture grounded in respect, empathy, and shared responsibility.

Conclusion

The expulsion of the student following the viral video incident at Texas State University stands as a significant moment for the institution. It underscores the importance of upholding community standards and responding thoughtfully to events that challenge the values of inclusion and respect. As the university continues to navigate the aftermath, President Damphousse’s message serves as a reminder that the actions of one individual do not define an entire community—and that, in times of crisis, the path forward lies in unity, understanding, and the pursuit of the university’s highest ideals.