WASHINGTON, D.C. — State employees in several states are suing after being fired for social media posts criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his assassination, raising key First Amendment questions, according to The Hill.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death sparked a national debate over political violence and free expression as Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, urged employers to dismiss people who mocked him online.
In Alabama, Auburn University’s Kevin Courtwright was fired for posting “One fascist down,” while lecturer Candice Hale lost her job after saying she would not “mourn oppressors.” Both are suing the university. In Arkansas, health official Joy Gray was fired after writing “Oh no, what if he’s ok?” and Brittney Brown, a Florida biologist, was dismissed for sharing a satirical post about Kirk’s gun views.
Tennessee teacher Emily Orbinson was suspended after posting “don’t mourn his death,” prompting a federal judge to allow her limited school access to maintain contact with her child.
Courts are now deciding whether these firings violated free speech protections for government employees. One case has already concluded in favor of Michael Hook, a South Dakota professor reinstated after apologizing for brief online remarks about Kirk.
The growing number of lawsuits could influence how public employers nationwide handle social media speech during politically charged events.
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