A student at the University of Utah has been cited for simple assault and property damage after allegedly tackling a member of the College Republicans during a dispute over a campus poll regarding gender. The incident occurred on Oct. 27 outside the university's Marriott Library.
Members of the College Republicans had set up a whiteboard asking if there are only two genders. According to a university spokesperson, another student approached the table, wiped off the whiteboard, and then began arguing with a member of the College Republicans about free speech and gender. The student then allegedly assaulted the College Republican, knocking them to the ground and tearing their shirt.
Video of the incident, shared on X by College Republicans officer Rylie Barnes, appears to capture the student saying, "No, I think Republicans should be shot in the streets, personally," before a physical altercation ensued.
The student, identified by Fox 13 as Grace, told Fox 13 News that the confrontation was a "set up" and accused the College Republicans of instigating it. She alleges that after she left the table, they followed her while saying, "you are denying biology," and that she was punched in the face during the fight.
In a separate interview, the student stated, "I believe I am a victim of transphobic aggression, and because the University protects the College Republicans and enables them to bully students, I was cited with these bogus charges."
Rebecca Walsh, communications director at the University of Utah, confirmed that police responded to reports of a fight between two students. "The visiting student then assaulted the tabling student, knocking them to the ground and tearing their shirt," Walsh said. "Police have identified the individual involved and issued two Class B misdemeanor citations--for simple assault and property damage." She added that the investigation is ongoing and support has been offered to both students.
Walsh noted that the university's student code of conduct prohibits threats, physical assaults, and intimidation. She also emphasized that the university protects the expression of differing viewpoints.
The Utah Anti-War Committee issued a statement supporting the student, identified as Amber Grace, writing, "Even though the College Republicans began this harassment, Amber is now facing misdemeanor charges of assault and property damage for resisting transphobia." The committee is calling on the Salt Lake County District Attorney to dismiss the charges.
University officials stated that the school cannot disclose information about potential student disciplinary proceedings due to federal privacy laws.