Tennessee State University students got an uninvited surprise when conservative activists Cam Higby and David Khait showed up with their “Fearless Debates” tour. They carried signs reading “DEI should be illegal” and “Deport all illegals now. LET’S TALK.” Sources say the duo’s intention wasn’t genuine debate—they came to provoke and mock students.

Students Fired Back ✊🏾

Almost immediately, a large group of students swarmed the table, chanting and showing they weren’t having it. Some even threw small objects, prompting campus police to step in. Higby and Khait were escorted off campus for their own safety and to prevent the situation from getting worse.

TSU Steps In 📝

The university confirmed the activists had not received approval to hold an event on campus. Officials reminded the community that all demonstrations require prior permission and emphasized that the students causing disruptions were not affiliated with TSU, reports WSMV.

“In accordance with university policy, any demonstration or protest activity requires advance approval and permitting,” reads a statement from TSU on Tuesday.

“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. TSU will continue to uphold university policies and ensure that campus remains a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for all members of our community,” TSU said.

Free Speech or Straight-Up Provocation? 🤔

The incident has sparked debate nationwide about free speech versus student safety, especially at HBCUs. While the activists claim they wanted “dialogue,” many students felt the messaging and approach were intended to intimidate and mock, not engage.

NAACP ⚖️

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored (NAACP) released a statement on social media following the incident confirming their support of TSU students.

Noir Nation, what do you think—should activists be allowed on campus with messaging like this, or are TSU’s rules protecting students the right move?