Bhatt, a political science major at the University of Houston, had been contributing to Campus Reform’s student‑reporter roster for six months before the controversy erupted.
On Friday, he posted a brief X message announcing his support for Talarico, labeling the campaign a stand against rising anti‑Indian sentiment in Texas. He warned voters that the state’s Republican line was increasingly hostile to his community.
Campus Reform’s website removed Bhatt’s author page immediately after the post, but the organization has yet to release an official statement. The outlet, which prides itself on student‑generated content, runs a program that pays contributors for campus‑focused stories.
Bhatt said he will pursue the university’s grievance process, arguing that his dismissal violates the First Amendment. He also called on students to keep their voices alive, saying the decision would not silence him or his family’s legacy of hard work.
The incident has sparked debate in Houston’s student circles, with several faculty members urging the university to clarify its policy on political expression. Meanwhile, the Texas Youth Summit, where Bhatt previously interned, has issued a statement supporting his right to free expression.
As the university reviews the complaint, officials hope to avoid a lawsuit that could set a precedent for other student journalists. The outcome may influence how campus news outlets handle political speech in the future.