Multiple universities and organizations have moved swiftly to dismiss employees for social media posts deemed insensitive following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, underscoring the heightened scrutiny over online speech in the wake of his killing, The Hill reported.
At the University of Mississippi, Chancellor Glenn Boyce confirmed Thursday that a staff member was fired after reposting what he described as “hurtful, insensitive comments” regarding Kirk’s death.
“These comments run completely counter to our institutional values of civility, fairness, and respecting the dignity of each person,” Boyce said in a statement on X. “We condemn these actions, and this staff member is no longer employed by the university.”
Middle Tennessee State University also dismissed an employee over social media activity related to Kirk’s killing.
President Sidney McPhee said in a statement Wednesday that the employee’s “inappropriate and callous comments” were incompatible with the university’s mission. “The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large,” McPhee said.
“This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”
The firings come amid a broader wave of disciplinary actions.
In Iowa, Oskaloosa Schools confirmed that a high school teacher was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into a social media post about Kirk. Superintendent Paula Wright said she is seeking board approval to terminate the teacher’s employment.
Other institutions have also taken action.
Lake Norman Charter School in North Carolina placed an employee on leave Thursday, saying the staff member shared a “hateful and highly offensive sentiment” regarding Kirk’s assassination.
In Tennessee, the Nashville Fire Department placed an employee on paid administrative leave over a similar matter.
In Florida, a Clay County District Schools teacher faces possible discipline after a social media post that included a link to a news article about Kirk’s death.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers football team dismissed junior employee Charlie Rock, who served as Football Communications Coordinator, after he allegedly made insensitive remarks on Instagram, according to reporting from the Charlotte Observer.
Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on X. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
