Last week, a video of a University of South Alabama (USA) math professor harassing Turning Point USA (TPUSA) students went viral. Late Friday, the university issued a statement saying the incident was "inconsistent with our values."
"University officials are addressing an incident where a faculty member admitted to using profanity directed at members of a student organization. This behavior is inconsistent with our values," a spokesman said in a written statement. "The University of South Alabama remains committed to fostering an environment where First Amendment rights are exercised with mutual respect, and we will have conversations consistent with these values with all of the involved parties."
According to Ethan Kaiser, the President of the USA TPUSA chapter, the exchange caught on camera was not the first time that Department of Mathematics and Statistics assistant professor Joshua Lioi had accosted the group.
It was Kaiser, seen wearing a black jacket in the video, who, knowing the camera was running, strategically asked Lioi to explain how the group is fascist, before noting that Lioi called the members "dog shit grifters" just last week. Lioi responded gleefully, seeking praise from those around him, "That's true. I did, I did."
WATCH: A professor at the University of South Alabama calls members of the @tpusastudents chapter a "fascist propaganda organization" during a discussion about the 2nd Amendment.
— FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) February 26, 2026
The professor also admits to calling the chapter "dog sh*t grifters."
According to the students,… pic.twitter.com/lYjNMDSqde
SEE: 'Dog sh-t grifters': TPUSA student group harassed by University of South Alabama professor (Video)
It was during the visit the week before that the professor approached the group, like he had seen doing in the video, and made vile comments mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Referring to him as "the neck guy" while making a finger gun motion to his neck before going on to mock a young woman for being a part of the organization.
Kaiser stressed that the group was prepared for respectful discussions.
"We welcome debate and open dialogue on campus. Our chapter sets up tables specifically to have conversations with people who disagree with us. All we ask is that discussions, especially from faculty, remain respectful and professional. Universities should be places where differing viewpoints can be engaged thoughtfully, not dismissed," Kaiser told 1819 News in a written statement.
Lioi did not respond to a request for comment from 1819 News.
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