ROCHESTER (WWJ) The Oakland County Republican Party is demanding "immediate decisive action" from Oakland University (OU) and the prompt expulsion of a student who apparently posted a threatening message against a Republican politician campaigning on campus.
The post in question showed a picture of Congressional candidate Mike Steger, running for the 11th District, at a campaign stop on the Rochester campus on Thursday, October 9. The photo has a red arrow drawn to Steger, and to a second man. The caption on the story says: "Can we execute these two things?"
"This kind of rhetoric is not just unacceptable," Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Vance Patrick said in a statement. "It is dangerous, criminal and has absolutely no place in our community or on any campus."
Patrick said this is not the only time OU students or staff have targeted Republicans.
According to Patrick; OU students and faculty "disrupted" a prayer vigil in memory of Conservative Activist and Turning Point CEO Charlie Kirk, made veiled threats following Kirk's assassination; and a staff member threw bags of trash at student activists.
The university neither confirmed nor denied these incidents.
OU also released a statement, saying Steger and multiple other people contacted the University to express concerns over the Instagram post.
"While the University remains firmly committed to protecting First Amendment rights, the University will not tolerate violence, actual threats or unlawful harassment," OU said in their statement. "In addition, while hate speech may be protected by the First Amendment, Oakland University condemns such speech as it does not align with the University’s values."
Oakland University Police are actively investigating the threatening post, according to the university.
Patrick demanded a "thorough investigation" and "swift action" from police and OU. Police have not also not commented on the investigation.
Patrick wrote: "When there's no consequences for this kind of behavior, it is tantamount to condoning it and contributing to the dangerous rhetoric that has led to violence against the country."
According to OU officials, federal privacy laws (FERPA) prohibit them from commenting on disciplinary action they take against students.