UT Austin: Hasan Piker Student Event Charged Over $17,000 in Security Fees

In September, 2026, the University Democrats at the University of Texas at Austin received approval to host left-leaning Twitch streamer Hasan Piker on campus and soon came under fire from state politicians. Initially told security costs would be about $300, the group was ultimately charged over $17,000 in security fees. UT Austin’s Special Events policy gives campus police broad authority to determine the ultimate fees to impose on a student group, stating that “UTPD will determine the appropriate staffing levels based on factors such as attendance, event type, location, and operational needs,” allowing viewpoint-based discretion that the university’s Speech, Expression, and Assembly policy forbids. On October 16, we wrote the university, urging it to rescind the exorbitant fees based on Piker’s viewpoint and revise its Security Events policy.