A number of university employees across the United States have been suspended or fired for making what their institutions deemed 'inappropriate' comments following the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The disciplinary actions have drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who accuse Republicans of using 'intimidation tactics' to create a 'culture of fear'.
At Clemson University in South Carolina, one employee was suspended and others are under investigation for 'inappropriate social media content'. The university stated it would take 'decisive and appropriate action' while noting that some speech is protected under the First Amendment. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham responded on social media, saying free speech does not protect against being fired for 'stupid' comments.
At Florida Atlantic University, art history professor Karen Leader was placed on leave after posting what officials called 'repeated comments on social media regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk'. Leader denied making any comments about the murder itself, stating she had only reposted criticism of Kirk's political views. She claimed the university's statement was inaccurate.
Free speech organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina, condemned efforts by far-right figures and Republican politicians to 'doxx' individuals who made unflattering posts about Kirk. The ACLU described these actions as a 'targeted campaign of harassment' against public servants for personal political statements.
Some commentators have noted the irony that Kirk was a self-proclaimed advocate for free speech, yet his supporters are calling for the punishment of those expressing opposing views. Judd Legum, editor of Popular Information, mocked this stance on social media, saying: 'Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech and anyone who says otherwise will be fired.'
