CSU Student Claims Assault During Protest Over Chalk Bible Verses
A student from Colorado State University has reported that he was spat on and faced a near-assault while chalking Bible verses during a protest just before Thanksgiving. Blake Jones, a Catholic and member of the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, shared his experience with Fox News Digital.
On November 19, Jones participated in a demonstration at the Rory Student Center Plaza, which was in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and federal diversity mandates. The protest was organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, the Young Democratic Socialists of America, and other left-leaning groups, as reported by the student newspaper.
Jones plans to engage more students in discussions and convey Bible verses, noting that the university has a history of allowing chalking in the plaza as a form of free expression.
“We wanted to ask people about their views on illegal immigration and ICE, assuming they follow the law,” Jones explained. However, he found it challenging, as many responses were dismissive, labeling them as racists instead.
He reported that several of his religious messages were altered. For instance, “Abortion is Murder” became “Abortion is Great,” and “God Loves You” was transformed to “God Loves Transgender People.” Additionally, a chalk drawing depicted a transgender figure on a large cross.
Jones remarked, “It seems like Christianity is the only faith openly mocked here. I witness anti-Christian messages frequently, while other religions don’t face the same treatment.”
Wearing a red MAGA hat, Jones described an encounter where two students confronted him. One student commenced with insults and provocations about his beliefs.
Jones recounted how he attempted to stay calm, but the confrontation escalated when the student lunged at him. Fortunately, another student intervened, preventing any physical altercation.
Later, as he resumed his chalking, the same student confronted him again, hurling insults and derogatory comments. Jones continued to write, despite the hostile atmosphere.
During this time, the aggressor spat at him, which left a mark on his clothing. Feeling upset, Jones reported the incident to authorities with support from fellow TPUSA member Sahara Bradley, who also experienced mockery for her beliefs.
After the confrontation, Bradley said they prayed for those involved and for safety, describing the feeling of vulnerability, even in a crowd.
Another student, Hannah Hines, expressed concern over their peers’ lack of empathy, noting that some seem oblivious to the implications of their actions on others.
After contacting police, Jones resumed chalking, emphasizing that it’s important for those with similar beliefs to stand firm in the face of adversity. “Giving in only empowers those who try to intimidate us. Persisting with our message is crucial to push back against this negative culture,” he said.
According to Jones, the police response was delayed, and he discovered that several security cameras in the area were nonoperational at the time of the altercation.
CSU Police confirmed that an investigation is in progress regarding the incident, although it remains unclear if Jones’ aggressor was affiliated with a group involved in the protests. Attempts to reach out to the protesting student organizations for comments were made.
