Clemson fires professors over posts regarding Charlie Kirk

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) — Two Clemson University faculty members have been dismissed following the termination of a professor regarding comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The investigation was initiated on Saturday when the university announced that a case had been opened over comments made on the professor’s social media account, which led to the employee’s suspension. Multiple politicians and students complained about the post that was initially shared by an account belonging to the Clemson College Republicans.

S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter Monday morning to Clemson University President James Clements, stating that Clemson has full legal authority to take corrective action against faculty members who posted “vile and incendiary” comments on social media, following the recent assassination.

Clemson University later released a statement on its X account that the institution had terminated the employee.

The university stated, “Following an immediate and deliberate investigation into inappropriate social media content, Clemson today terminated an employee due to their social media posts.”

Two faculty members had also been removed from their teaching duties in connection with the investigation.

“After being notified on Friday to stay out of the classroom, two faculty members have now been removed from their teaching duties pending investigation for termination,” the university said.

Tuesday morning, Clemson updated the public regarding the status of the two faculty members and shared that both individuals have also been dismissed from the university in response to the investigation.

Subsequently, during the investigation, Republican student groups at Clemson, along with GOP leaders across South Carolina, continued to mourn Kirk’s death.

“To watch him be assassinated, especially in the fashion that he was—it really was devastating for us,” said Jack Lyle, the Chairman of Clemson College Republicans. “They’re celebrating an assassination and we really just can’t stand for that.”

That frustration only deepened after some Clemson employees appeared to celebrate the killing online.

“Our world was kind of flipped upside down when this tragedy struck on Wednesday, and then to see, you know, members of faculty cheering it on, it was really upsetting to a lot of people,” said President of Turning Point USA at Clemson University, Charlie Clontz.

Many state Republican leaders criticized Clemson University on social media over the weekend, demanding that the university take action. 

House Rep. April Cromer held a sign-up on campus calling for the firings of all three individuals, Robin Newberry, Professor Earl Villaver, and Professor Joshua Bregy. 

“Fire all three employees and make sure there’s no severance, no pay, and that people on campus, and people across South Carolina, know that there will be consequences and zero tolerance for any type of discrimination,” Cromer said.

While many on campus gathered in unity, one freshman student was frustrated by what she called a hypocritical move from the university.

“Campaigning to get stuff defunded because someone posted something—what happened to free speech? What happened to free speech?” asked Clemson freshman, Mak Martin.

In a statement, Congresswoman Nancy Mace told 7NEWS that not firing the professors is a “betrayal to taxpayers.”

“Any professor who mocks an assassination attempt has forfeited the right to teach. South Carolina will not bankroll radicals who glorify political violence,” Mace said. “One has been fired; two more must be shown the door. Anything less is a betrayal of the taxpayers.”

The university’s Board of Trustees meeting ended around 5:30 p.m. Monday, more than three hours after the closed session started. The board issued a statement, saying they support the president’s decision regarding the faculty members.

Students continued to react on Tuesday.

“Hate him or love him, it is still a father, a husband, being publicly executed in front of his family,” said sophomore Sean Corathers.

University officials said the decision to fire all three Clemson employees is part of their commitment to maintaining a campus that is safe, respectful, and academically focused.

One student said it’s been the topic of conversation on campus. 

“Oh yes, it was going around campus,” Clemson Junior, Samantha White said. “On YikYak, on social media, it was everywhere. It has been a pretty big deal.”

Following the firings of Newberry, Villaver, and Bregy, their names have been removed from Clemson’s website.

Some students were frustrated by what they saw as a slow response from the university. Some said they feel relieved, and they agree with the university’s decision. 

“That is very justified from Clemson’s perspective,” Corathers said. “You can’t glorify a man’s death.”

“Honestly, the best decision that Clemson could make for this,” White said. “I honestly think if you are going to spread hatred you should be kicked off of campus.”

Clemson University shared the following statement on Tuesday morning in response to comments made about the duration of the investigation:

We fully acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the timing of recent personnel decisions. Every deliberation reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to conduct all actions in full compliance with institutional policies, state and federal laws and the foundational principles of due process.