A Southern University law professor was suspended over social media comments following the death of conservative provocateur and activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested two days later.
Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative figure, was widely mourned across right-wing circles, while his death has sparked heated political debate nationwide.
In Kelly Carmena’s post obtained by WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, she wrote, “I will 1000% wish death on people like him. He is the epitome of evil, and I have no compassion, not even a minute ounce of it for people like him who go around spewing hate the way he does.”
Southern University Board Chairman Tony Clayton stated, “She has been suspended effective immediately based on the cause that she participated in conduct that was prejudicial to the university.” He added, “Distasteful statements should not be tolerated particularly as it relates to death. That is tantamount to participating and inciting violence and spewing hate. That conduct will not be tolerated at Southern University period.”
The fallout following Kirk’s death has extended beyond Southern University. Across the country, employees in various sectors have faced eprimands, suspensions, or firings over critical or celebratory comments about Kirk on social media.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged accountability for those expressing sentiments that glorify or dismiss Kirk’s killing, underscoring a broader crackdown on speech deemed hateful or inflammatory in the aftermath of the shooting.
Southern University continues its formal investigation as it moves toward terminating Carmena’s employment, the TV station reported.