Charlotte-area punishments over social media posts show limits of free speech

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Charlie Kirk assassination is leading to a rise in strong and sometimes hateful political statements on social media.

Queen City News is learning that several people in the Carolinas are either losing their jobs or being placed on leave for their posts on his killing.

One of the people fired is a communications coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.

That person is said to have posted on Instagram, “Why are y’all sad, your man said it was worth it” in reference to Kirk’s death.

The Panthers released a statement saying in part, “The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind.”

“Speech is free,” said Queen City News Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes. “People have fought for it. It’s extremely free, but the consequences are not.”

At least two teachers could also face consequences for similar online comments about Kirk, who was killed on Wednesday while speaking to Utah college students.

A Lake Norman Charter High School math teacher is on administrative leave until school leaders can investigate what they call “a hateful and highly offensive sentiment.”

A Gaston County teacher is under fire for her alleged comment, prompting district leaders to release a statement saying the board members are investigating. District officials said they train their employees about professional conduct and plan to offer more training on the use of social media.

“If you do something that diminishes the brand of the company, that would be enough for a company to say, you know what, we’re going to part ways with you,” said Rhodes.

We asked the experts if and how free speech plays a role in all this. The short answer is it doesn’t.

“There is no constitutional protection when your private employer tells you that you cannot speak or sanctions you for something that you said in social media or in a protest somewhere,” said William Marshall, UNC law professor.

The First Amendment mainly protects freedom of speech in the public space. It prevents the government from limiting your speech, but not necessarily private companies.