Rutgers University associate professor Whitney Strub has sparked widespread controversy by comparing members of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to his poorly behaved rescue cat, describing them as ‘yowling incoherently’ and ‘pooping on the floor.’ The post, shared on X, drew sharp criticism from students and faculty members, with many accusing Strub of exhibiting bias against conservative viewpoints. The incident has reignited debates over free speech and academic freedom on campus, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions surrounding Antifa-aligned professors and conservative student activism at Rutgers.
Strub, an historian of free speech and co-chair of the Joint Academic Freedom Committee at Rutgers AAUP-AFT, defended his comments by referencing his academic background, noting that he ‘recognizes Turning Point USA members’ right to quote-tweet and rail against my perverted libertine life.’ However, students and critics, including Megyn Doyle, the treasurer of the TPUSA chapter at Rutgers, accused him of using his position to undermine conservative students. ‘Professor Whitney Strub’s bias against conservatives is clear,’ Doyle stated, ‘Not only did he co-write a defamatory statement against Rutgers Turning Point and defend an Antifa professor, Whitney Strub also mocked Charlie Kirk’s assassination.’ She argued that instead of addressing his remarks, the university opted to ‘request a meeting to speak about behavioral concerns’ after she criticized Strub’s behavior.
The controversy surrounding Strub has intensified amid ongoing tensions at the university, where Mark Bray, an Antifa-linked professor, recently left the country for safety after facing petitions from conservative students. Strub co-authored a statement defending Bray and criticizing the university’s TPUSA chapter, further fueling debates over free speech and academic freedom. Meanwhile, Strub’s X posts have included remarks about Jordan Peterson, describing the philosopher’s appearance in Newark as ‘fascist trans-bashing,’ and a visit to a porn theater that he called ‘ambitious.’ His comments have raised concerns about the tone of academic discourse at Rutgers, with critics arguing that his public behavior has alienated both students and faculty.
Strub has also made controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, expressing skepticism about its significance while condemning gun violence. His statement, which included a remark about paying respects to the deceased ‘by protesting in my diapers,’ drew further criticism from students and faculty. Fox News Digital attempted to reach Strub and Rutgers for comment but has yet to receive responses. The incident has highlighted the broader challenges of maintaining free speech and academic freedom at public universities, as well as the growing polarization of campus discourse in the United States.