UPDATE: Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has placed a tenured professor on administrative leave following controversial social media comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The announcement was made by FAU President Adam Hasner on September 12, 2023, amid ongoing investigations into the professor’s remarks.
In a statement shared on X, Hasner expressed his dismay over the professor’s behavior, stating that it does not align with FAU’s mission or values. “Our expectation is that all employees consistently promote higher education and academic excellence,” he emphasized. The professor, whose identity has not been revealed, is currently under investigation, and specific disciplinary procedures for tenured faculty are being followed.
The comments come in the wake of Kirk’s tragic assassination on a university campus in Utah, confirmed by the FBI, which has since taken a suspect into custody. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and reflection across educational institutions. Just two days prior, nearly 200 attendees, including students, faculty, and community members, gathered for a vigil at FAU to honor Kirk’s legacy.
At the vigil, Hasner reflected on the profound grief and anger within the community, stating, “While this didn’t happen on our campus, it did happen on a university campus.” He noted the importance of fostering civil discourse and respect among all community members, regardless of political affiliations. Hasner described Kirk as a “happy warrior” and “true American patriot,” asserting that his legacy would not be forgotten.
In a related incident, Dr. Michelle Bravo, a neurologist at the University of Miami, was fired for sharing a post about Kirk’s assassination. This decision, reported by The Miami Hurricane, highlights the increasing scrutiny on faculty members regarding their social media activities in light of political violence.
Additionally, Matt Theobald, the president of the Martin County Education Association, has been reassigned from teaching duties following comments he allegedly made about Kirk’s killing. The Martin County School District confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding Theobald’s online statements.
As the situation continues to develop, members of the educational community are urged to engage in respectful dialogue and promote civil discussions. The ramifications of these recent events extend beyond individual institutions, reflecting a broader national conversation about free speech and political discourse on campuses.
Stay tuned for updates as investigations unfold and more details emerge.
