More Tennessee professors scrutinized for comments about Charlie Kirk

(The Center Square) – Days after a Middle Tennessee State University professor was fired for her social media comments after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed, others are losing their jobs or being placed on leave.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is identifying some of the faculty members at Tennessee’s public universities making comments about Kirk’s death on her campaign page for governor.

She shared a post from Austin Peay State University professor Darren Michael, who taught theater at the school. The post was a reprint of an article with the headline: “Charlie Kirk Says Gun Deaths ‘Unfortunately’ Worth it to Keep 2nd Amendment.”

A statement from Austin Peay President Mike Licari confirmed Michael’s firing.

“Such actions do not align with Austin Peay’s commitment to mutual respect and human dignity,” Licari said in published reports. “The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member.”

A professor at the University of Tennessee is under scrutiny for saying in a comment on social media, “The world is better off without him in it. Even those who are claiming to be sad for his wife and kids….like, his kids are better off living in a world without a disgusting psychopath like him and his wife, well, she’s a sick (expletive) for marrying him so I dont (sp) care about her feelings.”

Conservative activist Robby Starbucks shared the post. University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd said Monday on social media, “Celebrating or advocating violence and murder is reprehensible and has no place at the University of Tennessee. UT Knoxville is actively investigating the matter and will take decisive action to ensure it is addressed with the full weight and attention it deserves.”

Two East Tennessee University professors are on administrative leave for social media comments, according to NBC News. The university said it is not commenting further because it is a personnel matter, according to the report.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy, assistant dean for student care and conduct at Middle Tennessee State University, was fired Thursday for her post that said, “Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. Zero sympathy.” Blackburn shared the post on Thursday and called for Sosh-Lightsy’s firing.

“The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large,” said university President Sidney A. McPhee in the Facebook post. “This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”