Clemson University says it fired one employee and dismissed two faculty members over social media posts connected to the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In the Upstate college's third statement since Sept. 12, the university said Monday that after an "immediate and deliberate investigation into inappropriate social media content," Clemson fired one employee because of their social media posts.
Clemson said Tuesday it dismissed two faculty members over their social media postings.
The university did not identify the employees.
"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," Clemson said in a post Sept. 16. "Clemson remains resolution in its commitment to cultivating an environment that is safe, respectful and conducive to academic excellence."
A statement from Clemson University: pic.twitter.com/YSYEKlOhAU
— Clemson University (@ClemsonUniv) September 16, 2025
Clemson drew ire from South Carolina Republican legislators and the Clemson College Republicans for what they said was delayed action to employee social media posts appearing to mock Kirk's death.
"Clemson receives hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. Remove this vileness from your faculty," S.C. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jordan Pace, R-Berkeley, posted to X on Sept. 11.
Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking outside on a Utah college campus.
Kirk, 31, was a well-known conservative activist and Trump ally who founded the political organization Turning Point USA.
The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, will be formally charged Tuesday.
Clemson's statement Monday followed pressure by the hardline House Freedom Caucus, members of South Carolina's federal delegation and candidates for governor to take action or lose money.
On Sept. 13, Clemson in its second statement said it had suspended an employee. The university said while "we understand the frustration" and shared "deep concern over the nature of these posts," Clemson added, "we will continue to act within the bounds of the law and our University policies to ensure accountability and integrity."
The heat was turned up much higher when four Statehouse leaders sent a letter that same day to the chair and vice chair of the Clemson University Board of Trustees.
The letter was signed by Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee; House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter; Senate Finance Committee Chairman Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee; and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville.
Alexander and Peeler are both Clemson graduates.
We join the world in shock and sadness after the murder of Charlie Kirk. The vile comments from Clemson faculty in its aftermath are unacceptable. The Board of Trustees must act to ensure the University maintains the trust and confidence of South Carolinians. pic.twitter.com/VRogcTg9iN
— schousespeaker (@schousespeaker) September 13, 2025
"Anything short of holding accountable those who mock political violence would be a betrayal of our values and the trust taxpayers place in our public institutions," Smith said following Clemson's update Monday. "Make no mistake, South Carolina will never tolerate celebrating or otherwise promoting political violence."
Soon after the letter's publication, Clemson's board scheduled a special-called meeting Monday afternoon and met in executive session.
"There should be zero tolerance for those who celebrate the assassination of a fellow American. As Americans, we have a right to freedom of speech. That does not mean our words don’t have consequences," former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, a Clemson board trustee, said in a Stand For America PAC emailed statement ahead of Monday's meeting. "We should never turn to violence, and there should be clear repercussions for anyone celebrating murder."
All over the country, hospitals, schools and even professional sports teams have faced backlash over employee social media posts about Kirk.
That also includes now Coastal Carolina University, which said it terminated one employee and suspended another without pay, pending further review.
The employees were not identified.
And it includes USC's Union campus, which let a part-time instructor go after their social media post about Kirk, according to The State newspaper.
State Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is running for governor, said Monday that he sent a letter to Clemson University President Jim Clements that said the university had "full legal authority" to fire the employees.
"While the law provides for potential civil claims in wrongful termination disputes, it does not create any criminal liability for university officials who hold employees accountable for their actions," the release from Wilson's office said.
Wilson added that he will not prosecute or "allow the prosecution" of Clemson or other public South Carolina universities for firing employees for similar reasons.
Some South Carolina Democrats have accused their Republican colleagues of bullying the university and called their response hypocritical.
"It is amazing to see the party of law and order create lawlessness and chaos over a constitutional right they hold so dearly," Richland Democratic state Rep. Hamilton Grant posted Sept. 13 on X. "Also, it is extremely inappropriate for a legislature to tell a college trustee board what to do."
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect Clemson University's Sept. 16 announcement that it dismissed two faculty members.
Russ McKinney contributed to this report.
