Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is set to address conservative students at the University of North Texas next week, stepping into a campus he recently investigated for what he called “radical leftist” activity.
Paxton will speak at a November 10th event in Denton hosted by the UNT chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization. The appearance announced by his office comes amid heightened tension between the attorney general and the university.
“The Left, which includes many radical professors and university administrators, has tried to silence and even punish young conservatives for speaking out for their beliefs,” Paxton said in a statement. “I am honored to join the UNT Turning Point chapter to continue to show these conservatives that they are not alone and that they are on the right side of history in this fight for truth and freedom.”
Recent Clash with UNT Administration
The visit follows Paxton’s recent investigation into UNT after the university allegedly failed to discipline students accused of celebrating the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Paxton didn’t mince words in his demands, urging the expulsion of students involved.
“Educational institutions cannot be incubators of violent radical leftists,” he wrote to university officials. His upcoming appearance at the same campus suggests he’s doubling down on his message rather than backing away from the controversy.
Is this just the latest front in Paxton’s ongoing battles with educational institutions? The attorney general has recently targeted school districts as well.
Schools in Crosshairs
Just last week, Paxton’s office sent letters to Garland and Northwest Independent School Districts accusing them of illegal electioneering by using district resources to promote tax rate elections. Both districts quickly adjusted their communications after receiving the warnings, though Northwest ISD denied any wrongdoing.
The law on this matter is clear, according to Paxton’s office: “The board of trustees of an independent school district may not use state or local funds or other resources of the district to electioneer for or against any candidate, measure, or political party.”
This aggressive stance toward educational institutions comes as Paxton positions himself for higher office.
Political Resilience
Despite—or perhaps because of—his controversial tenure as attorney general, Paxton is now campaigning for U.S. Senate. Rather remarkably, he’s leaning into some of the most challenging chapters of his political career, including his impeachment.
That strategy appears to be working. Paxton has transformed potential liabilities into badges of honor among his supporters, portraying himself as a fighter who withstands attacks from political opponents.
The UNT event, open to the public with preferred seating for students, will likely serve as both an opportunity to bolster young conservatives on campus and a campaign platform as Paxton eyes Washington.
For a man who’s weathered multiple indictments, an FBI investigation, and impeachment proceedings, a potentially hostile campus audience might just be another day at the office.
