Clemson Caves, Purging Faculty Who Mocked Kirk’s Death After Initial Defiance

Clemson University on Monday caved to GOP pressure and terminated an employee and suspended two others who mocked Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk’s death.

Several Clemson employees were accused of posting inappropriate content on social media in response to Kirk’s death, including calling it “one of the most beautiful days ever,” and signifying support for his assassin. The university initially said it condemned the comments from the professors but would take action only against “a genuine threat.” However, after calls from several Republican lawmakers and even attention from President Donald Trump, Clemson eventually announced it suspended and later fired one faculty member.

“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 wrote in a Sept. 12 message. “We will take appropriate action for speech that constitutes a genuine threat which is not protected by the Constitution.”

Two other faculty members “have been removed from their teaching duties pending investigation for termination,” Clemson announced.

Clemson did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation