A widening row over free speech has engulfed US campuses after several university employees were disciplined for social media posts about the murdered rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, sparking warnings of “intimidation tactics” and a chilling effect on academic freedom.
Since Kirk’s killing earlier this month, faculty members in Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida have faced suspensions, investigations or dismissal following posts deemed “inappropriate” or “insensitive”.
The cases form part of a broader campaign by Republican politicians and far-right commentators to expose those accused of “celebrating” the activist’s death.
Clemson University confirmed on Saturday that it had suspended one employee and was investigating others. Trustees convened an emergency meeting amid mounting pressure from Republican leaders, including threats from the House judiciary caucus to strip the institution of federal funding. Yet in a statement, Clemson stressed its commitment to the US constitution, saying: “Some free speech is protected under the First Amendment.”
Florida Atlantic University placed art history professor Karen Leader on leave over what officials called “repeated comments … regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk”.
Leader insisted she had not referred to the killing itself, but only reposted criticism of Kirk’s hardline views on race and LGBTQ+ rights. “The FAU president’s posted statement about this is inaccurate,” she said.
Civil liberties groups have condemned the clampdown. The ACLU’s South Carolina chapter described the actions as “a targeted campaign of harassment” and urged universities to model tolerance for upsetting speech.
PEN America, which monitors academic freedom, accused institutions of “knee-jerk dismissals” driven by political pressure. “Protecting free expression during times of crisis is not a luxury,” said William Johnson, the group’s Florida director.
Republican leaders, however, have argued staff should face consequences. South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X: “Free speech doesn’t prevent you from being fired if you’re stupid and have poor judgment.” Congresswoman Nancy Mace has urged the public to send her tips on employees alleged to have glorified Kirk’s death, and demanded defunding for universities that refuse to act.
Critics point to hypocrisy in punishing staff when Kirk himself had long championed free speech. “Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech and anyone who says otherwise will be fired,” wrote Judd Legum, editor of the progressive site Popular Information, in a mocking post.
The controversy highlights America’s deepening culture wars: whether Kirk’s death will spark unity, as some advocates hope, or fuel further division in an already polarised political climate.
