Texas State University expelled a student for creating a video that mocked the recent fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The University of Arizona case has led to national outrage and disciplinary actions at dozens of schools. It instead draws attention to the current climate of debate around free speech and consequences of incitement via violent language.
On September 10, Charlie Kirk was tragically shot in the neck while at Utah Valley University. His shocking death was an immediate jolt to the community, leading to an outpouring of reactions and remembrances by political, business, and educational leaders. In the aftermath, a video surfaced on social media showing a Texas State University student slapping his neck multiple times while calling himself “Charlie Kirk” and imitating the circumstances of Kirk’s death.
The actions depicted in the video received instant backlash. Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded swiftly, stating, “Hey Texas State. This conduct is not accepted at our schools.” He further emphasized the need for accountability by declaring, “Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences.”
The former Texas State student has since been expelled. Furthermore, some people have already lost their jobs for speaking out against Kirk’s death. The Secret Service employee who issued a celebratory statement on the assassination of Kirk has been put on forced leave. Other journalists, such as Matthew Dowd, have gotten fired for statements they made related to Kirk’s political career or death.
Texas Tech University acknowledged that the student who created the kind of disrespectful material in question no longer attends. The administration articulated its position clearly: “Any behavior that denigrates victims of violence is reprehensible, has no place on our campus, and does not align with our values.”
The situation has escalated beyond individual cases. Firefighters, including a captain from New Orleans, were disciplined for speaking out on the killing of Kirk. Furthermore, two faculty members from East Tennessee State University have been suspended for their posts on the issue. These incidents are part of a disturbing pattern of punishment meted out to people who are seen as making light of — or glorifying — violence.
Kelly Damphousse, president of Texas State University, expressed the institution’s stance on such behavior, stating, “Behavior that trivializes or promotes violence is reprehensible and violates the values of TXST. It will not be tolerated.” At the same time, he counseled that statements celebrating violence or murder should not be tolerated anywhere on campus.
In the wake of these horrifying events, Texas American Federation of Teachers president Zeph Capo issued a searing condemnation. He derided what he calls a political witch hunt against teachers. He blasted undue investigations into teachers who speak their first amendment rights outside of their official capacity. He argued that such activities encourage a witch hunt against civil servants for expressing their personal views online.
The national discourse on freedom of expression becomes more heated every time these incidents occur. The effects extend well beyond just personal impacts. They point to an alarming trend of society’s reaction to behavior judged as intolerant or incendiary, particularly given the context of recent incidents of violence.