A view outside Clemson Memorial Stadium on the campus of
A view outside Clemson Memorial Stadium on the campus of Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Clemson University officials say they have taken action against three employees following social media posts reacting to Charlie Kirk's assassination. One employee was fired, and two faculty members were removed from teaching.

The university's Board of Trustees held a special meeting and issued a statement criticizing posts by these employees that mocked the death of Kirk, calling them unacceptable. Board Chair Kim Wilkerson said employees must uphold the institution's integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety. "When individuals fall short of these expectations — especially in ways that compromise the safety of our campus community and undermine the learning environment — decisive action is not only warranted, but necessary to uphold the university's mission and values," she said.

The moves come amid political pressure. The South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson, has said that Clemson has legal authority to discipline faculty for social media posts, including suspension or termination, even under the state's political-firing statute.

Critics of Clemson's action argue free speech concerns, noting that the First Amendment protects even unpopular speech and that it does not always shield employees from consequences when the content is not a threat but considered offensive. Supporters of the university's decision point to the nature of the posts, which they contend glorified violence.