UW-Eau Claire Professor Charged After Alleged Attack on College Republicans’ Table
A professor at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has been charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly flipping a table set up by the UWEC College Republicans on election day. The incident, which unfolded Tuesday morning near a campus polling location, has sparked widespread attention and raised renewed concerns over free speech, campus civility, and political polarization in higher education.
Incident Caught on Video, Witnesses Confirm Altercation
Video footage posted by the UWEC College Republicans shows a man walking away from the scene after reportedly flipping the group’s table, leaving campaign literature and voter materials scattered across the sidewalk. The group claims the incident was politically motivated, identifying the man as a supporter of Democrat candidate Jodi Crawford and an opponent of former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, a Republican running in the same election.
Tatiana Bobrowicz, chair of the UWEC College Republicans, provided a first-hand account to WQOW-TV. According to Bobrowicz, the man approached their setup, questioned the group’s proximity to the polling place, and upon being assured they were outside the 100-foot legal buffer zone, allegedly stated, “The time for this is over,” before flipping the table.
The entire interaction lasted roughly ten seconds, she said.
Professor José Felipe Alvergue Identified, Placed on Leave
The alleged attacker has been identified as José Felipe Alvergue, the chair of UWEC’s English Department. The university later confirmed his identity and issued a formal response.
In a statement released by UW-Eau Claire Interim Provost Michael Carney, the university emphasized its commitment to civil discourse and free speech on campus:
“I am deeply concerned that our students’ peaceful effort to share information on campus on election day was disrupted. UW-Eau Claire strongly supports every person’s right to free speech and free expression… Civil dialogue is a critical part of the university experience… The faculty member involved has been placed on administrative leave pending a comprehensive investigation.”
The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Universities of Wisconsin system and the university’s Office of General Counsel.
Police Investigation and Charges Filed
According to WSAU-TV, local law enforcement is actively investigating the incident. On April 2, it was reported that Professor Alvergue has been formally charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor offense in Wisconsin. He has been released on a $295 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 7.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The incident has fueled accusations of ideological bias and intolerance on university campuses. Conservative activists and commentators have rallied around the UWEC College Republicans, portraying the incident as an example of growing hostility toward right-leaning students in academic environments.
“Vote Schimel to bring back justice and civility!” the UWEC College Republicans wrote in their post accompanying the video.
The incident also comes at a politically sensitive time in Wisconsin, with state and local elections drawing national attention amid ongoing debates over education, crime, and election integrity.
University Response and Broader Implications
As the investigation proceeds, UW-Eau Claire will be under scrutiny for how it handles disciplinary action against a senior faculty member. The university’s commitment to protecting free expression while maintaining professional standards among faculty will likely be tested in the weeks to come.
In the broader context, the altercation highlights the challenges universities face in managing political activity on campus, particularly during election season. As rhetoric intensifies nationally, institutions are grappling with how to preserve civil discourse without suppressing passionate political expression.
More updates are expected following the May 7 court hearing.