Political tensions on campus are on the rise

Olivia Summers, News editor • April 20, 2026

The political tensions across college campuses in the U.S. is palpable. Here's what some major political organizations at MTSU have to say about it.

Assassination aftermath: MTSU campus debates in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death

J’lyn Hare, Reporter • January 30, 2026

Charlie Kirk was assassinated while debating on a college campus. Here's how that affected the future of on-campus debating.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy discusses life, her lawsuit and recovery

Noah McLane, Editor in chief • November 12, 2025

See how the former assistant dean is doing two months after her abrupt termination from MTSU for Facebook posts she made.

The ex-assistant dean’s lawsuit, explained

Noah McLane, Editor in chief • November 9, 2025

Our reporters combed through the 114-point lawsuit former assistant dean, Laura Sosh-Lightsy filed against MTSU's Sidney A. McPhee and Danny Kelley — see what we learned.

Fired assistant dean sues MTSU president, interim dean of students

Staff report • November 6, 2025

Fired Associate Dean, Laura Sosh-Lightsy, sued MTSU leadership, check out what the lawsuit says.

Photo gallery: Emotions captured at the Charlie Kirk Vigil

Ephraim Rodenbach, Staff photographer • September 18, 2025

MTSU Turning Point USA and the College Republicans held a vigil for Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.

‘His assassination is our generation’s 9/11’: MTSU’s TPUSA holds vigil for Charlie Kirk

Noah McLane and Olivia Summers • September 18, 2025

MTSU conservatives gathered on campus to hold a candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk.

MTSU provost says no other faculty or administrators fired in wake of Charlie Kirk assassination

Noah McLane, Editor in chief • September 17, 2025

Following the termination of an assistant dean last week, university provost Mark Byrnes spoke about administration's response and plans for the future.

‘It sends a clear message,’ Sen. Marsha Blackburn responds to MTSU firing assistant dean

Sidelines staff • September 13, 2025

Sen. Marsha Blackburn responds to MTSU firing dean for online posts the employee made after Charlie Kirk's death.

MTSU campus reacts to Charlie Kirk’s death

Olivia Summers and Noah McLane • September 11, 2025

MTSU students and student organizations released statements regarding Charlie Kirk's death.

Update: McPhee explains firing of MTSU assistant dean

Noah McLane, Editor in chief • September 11, 2025

MTSU president Sidney A. McPhee released a second statement regarding the university taking action against an employee who posted "callous" comments about Charlie Kirk on social media.