Major University CAVES After Stripping Press Credentials in SHOCKING Censorship Move

Liberty Check

• TCU attempted to silence a local newspaper by revoking credentials just days before the season opener
• The credentialing crackdown came after the paper reported on a campus locker room assault incident
• After public scrutiny, the university reversed course and reinstated press access

Texas Christian University has reversed its controversial decision to strip press credentials from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after pulling them last week, just days before the football team’s season opener. The move reeked of censorship and control, targeting a local outlet simply for doing its job.

The Horned Frogs’ season opener took place in Dublin, Ireland, where they faced off against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. But Star-Telegram TCU reporter Steven Johnson had to cover the game from the stands like any ordinary fan—not from the press box where he belonged.

Why? The university had pulled the outlet’s credentials in apparent retaliation for reporting on a locker room altercation that resulted in the dismissal of senior safety Jacob Fields.

The irony is almost too rich: TCU plays its home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium, named after the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s founder and publisher. Yet the school thought it was acceptable to ban the very newspaper that’s been part of the community fabric for generations.

After facing mounting criticism and likely legal concerns about First Amendment implications, the school reversed course.

“Today, TCU Athletics fully restored media credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,” the athletic department’s statement reads.

“In a series of productive discussions, we made clear our position and resolved to move forward. We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead.”

Translation: We got caught trying to silence the press, and now we’re backtracking. The language may be diplomatic, but the damage to TCU’s credibility is already done.

This episode is a reminder of how quickly institutions will attempt to control the narrative when unflattering facts emerge. Transparency and accountability matter—especially when public safety is involved.

TCU lost that game against UNC in Ireland by a score of 15-10. The team will be back in action on Sept. 12 when they host the Grambling State Tigers.

Americans deserve better.