Several US university employees have been disciplined for comments made about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, sparking accusations of intimidation from free speech advocates. The backlash has led to firings and suspensions at multiple campuses, with Republicans calling for tougher action against those deemed to have made inappropriate remarks.
Clemson University suspended one employee and is investigating others for “inappropriate social media content” after criticism from senior Republicans, including a call for defunding. The university stated it remains committed to free speech under the First Amendment, but South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said: “Free speech doesn’t prevent you from being fired if you’re stupid and have poor judgement.”
At Florida Atlantic University, art history professor Karen Leader was placed on leave for allegedly posting comments about Kirk’s assassination. Leader denied the claim, saying she only reposted others’ criticism of Kirk’s political views. PEN America’s Florida director urged universities to “respond not with reflex or reprisal but with thought, principle, and restraint”.
Free speech groups have condemned efforts by far-right figures and Republican politicians to “doxx” people who made uncomplimentary posts about Kirk. The South Carolina ACLU described the campaign as “intimidation tactics” and a “targeted campaign of harassment” against public servants for personal political statements.
