Academics worry for a future that finds the vacant presidency filled by politician Kevin Hern.
“Hurricane Against Hern” has become a prominent movement for students and faculty that oppose U.S. Representative Kevin Hern’s supposed presidential candidacy at the University of Tulsa. Members of TU worry that Hern is too political for an academic leader and will emphasize STEM at the expense of the liberal arts. Claims, now denied by all parties involved, circulated that Michael Case, who helped fund several scholarships and buildings at TU, offered the Board of Trustees $100 million dollars if the politician became president and threatened to cease funding if Hern is not selected as the next president.
Hern is a steadfast Republican. He was among 147 Republican House members who voted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, and voted for the “One Big Beautiful Big Bill” Act in 2025. Following Donald Trump’s inauguration, Hern vocalized excitement for the “beginning of a new golden age in America,” stating that “together, we will Make America Great Again.” Concerned about his divisive politics, anonymous faculty members have indicated that they will push a vote of no confidence or step down from leadership positions if Hern is hired.
On Oct. 23, a group of students, led by sophomore Aristotle Orsini, gathered between McFarlin Library and Kendall Hall to protest Hern’s nomination. Student Anderson Bell explained that he was there to “make it known to the university that they need to stand up to any sort of possible financial intimidation and listen to their students.” A passing professor told students to “Raise Hell. It’s your future.” Apart from the occasional galvanizer, the atmosphere was calm and protestors chatted with each other.
Students gathered and created protest signs before and during the Anti-Hern protest. Photo by: Olive Clay
For all of his efforts, Orsini was disappointed with the turnout. “There’s 400 people in the GroupMe that I made, and I’d say around 30 different people showed up to the protest over its course of four and a half hours.” Orsini is what many would consider the face of the movement “Hurricane against Hern.” He published a YouTube video outlining the ways in which Hern would negatively impact the university, created the aforementioned GroupMe, organized the protest and is in the process of speaking to faculty members about their knowledge of the current state of the selection. Orsini goes on to say that though the protest fell short of expectations, it “got people talking. … the fight’s not over just because we had one protest.”
Others on campus argue that students are wasting their efforts as it is probable Hern is unlikely to receive the presidency amid several other contenders. The Tulsa World claimed someone close to the politician vocalized doubts over Hern even wanting the job. To some, the discourse is unnecessary. Most of the easily accessible information comes from Orsini, who cannot clearly cite many of his sources as they wish to remain anonymous or because the information is based on rumor. To the frustration of both faculty and students, the Board of Trustees has not disclosed any additional information beyond denying claims of a $100 million financial incentive.
