UCLA Terminates Diversity Director Over Controversial Social Media Posts
The University of California Los Angeles has officially dismissed its diversity, equity and inclusion chief following an investigation into social media posts that appeared to celebrate the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Jonathan Perkins, who served as director of the school's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was fired last week after being placed on administrative leave in September.
Violence Celebration Deemed Unacceptable by University
University officials launched an investigation after Perkins posted several messages on the Bluesky social media platform that hailed Kirk's assassination. "Good riddance," Perkins wrote in one post. "It is OKAY to be happy when someone who hated you and called for your people's death dies - even if they are murdered." In subsequent posts, he added, "I'm always glad when bigots die" and "You can't force people to mourn someone who hated us - no matter how he died."
UCLA responded swiftly to the controversy, stating: "While free expression is a core value of UCLA, violence of any kind — including the celebration of it — is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated." The university emphasized that Perkins' position as Director of Race and Equity made his conduct particularly damaging to institutional trust and credibility.
Investigation Reveals Pattern of Controversial Statements
The termination letter obtained by the Los Angeles Times cited multiple policy violations related to workplace violence prevention. Officials determined that Perkins' posts "referenced or appeared to endorse violence or death" and contained "demeaning or generalized remarks about demographic groups." Perkins received approximately 250 pages of investigation findings detailing his history of social media controversies.
Previous incidents included a since-deleted March 2022 tweet where Perkins appeared to wish death upon conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas during a hospital stay. In 2024, he spread false rumors about Kate Middleton faking her condition during cancer treatment. UCLA had previously distanced itself from these remarks, stating they did not reflect university views.
Perkins Defends Actions and Plans Legal Action
Perkins has repeatedly argued that he was exercising his First Amendment rights and claims to have received death threats following the controversy. The former DEI director, who was earning $135,000 annually, has launched an online fundraiser to support legal action against UCLA for alleged wrongful termination and First Amendment violations.
"I will always speak out against racism... I would post my thoughts [about Kirk] again," Perkins told the LA Times. He cited a 2011 incident at the University of Virginia School of Law as formative, though that incident itself became controversial when Perkins initially retracted claims of racial profiling before later reaffirming them.
Relocation and Financial Challenges Ahead
Perkins is planning to move back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he will face relocation costs including rent and penalties for leaving his Los Angeles home. His online fundraiser notes the additional challenge of caring for two dogs and two cats during the transition. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised over $10,000.
In his fundraising appeal, Perkins wrote that he is "reaching out for support from my community and anyone who believes in not just fighting racism, but standing up for free speech and fairness during these stunning times." His last day on UCLA's payroll was Friday, marking the end of his tenure at the institution.
