Universities Respond to Professors' Social Media Posts Following Charlie Kirk's Death
Two universities, Southern University and Clemson University, are facing scrutiny after professors allegedly made controversial statements on social media following the death of Charlie Kirk. The posts, reportedly celebrating or justifying Kirk's assassination, have sparked outrage and led to investigations and disciplinary actions.
Southern University Suspends Professor, Initiates Termination Proceedings
Southern University has suspended law professor Kelly Carmena and is moving to terminate her employment, according to a report by the WAFB I-Team. The decision follows comments she allegedly made on social media in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death.
The university alleges that Carmena posted, “I will 1000% wish death on people like him. He is the epitome of evil, and I have no compassion, not even a minute ounce of it for people like him who go around spewing hate the way he does.”
Southern University Board Chairman Tony Clayton confirmed the investigation, stating, “She has been suspended effective immediately based on the cause that she participated in conduct that was prejudicial to the university... The school will investigate this matter to finalize terminating her from the university." He further emphasized that "Distasteful statements should not be tolerated particularly as it relates to death. That is tantamount to participating and inciting violence and spewing hate... That conduct will not be tolerated at Southern University period."
The Southern University Law Center issued a statement saying, "The Southern University Law Center is aware of a recent social media post involving one of our employees that has raised concern. The views expressed in that post are the individual’s own and do not reflect the values or positions of the Law Center. We are reviewing this matter in accordance with the institution’s personnel policies and procedures. The Law Center is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and professionalism both online and offline."
Attorney General Liz Murrill responded to the situation, stating, “Great news... Political violence has NO place in a democratic society. The comments posted by this individual were abhorrent. Whatever your opinion is of Charlie, his assassination marked a dark day for all Americans and should be resoundingly condemned. This individual has a constitutional right to have opinions and social media amplifies them. But she does not have a right to teach at a public law school.”
Clemson University Responds to Professor Comments
In a separate incident, the South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said he contacted the president of Clemson University regarding comments reportedly made by a professor. Wilson posted on X, "We're all still waiting on answers from Clemson University regarding the vile, reprehensible comments made by professors celebrating and justifying Charlie Kirk's assassination. I've called President Clements. Regardless of your politics, anything other than condemning violence and his brutal murder is unacceptable–especially if you’re tasked with instructing our youth."
Clemson University issued the following statement: “Clemson University unequivocally condemns any and all expressions that endorse, glorify or celebrate political violence. The deeply inappropriate remarks made on social media in response to the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk are reprehensible and do not reflect the University values and principles that define our University community."
The university added, "We stand firmly on the principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the protection of free speech. However, that right does not extend to speech that incites harm or undermines the dignity of others. We will take appropriate action for speech that constitutes a genuine threat which is not protected by the Constitution... At Clemson we expect our community to treat each other respectfully."
Following Clemson's statement, several individuals and organizations responded, including:
- Rep. William Timmons: "Absolutely disgusting that Clemson professors would celebrate the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Anything short of firing them is unacceptable."
- House Judiciary GOP
- The South Carolina Freedom Caucus: "Clemson’s statement was worth nothing. @clemsonprez it’s time to lead or step aside." The Caucus further called for a special session to pass H3927 and rescind budget appropriations for Clemson University.
