Florida Atlantic U. Reinstates Prof Suspended Over Charlie Kirk Posts

Florida Atlantic U. Reinstates Prof Suspended Over Charlie Kirk Posts

We haven’t heard of this happening to many of the others who lost their jobs for the same reason.

Campus Reform reports:

FAU reinstates professor suspended over Charlie Kirk posts

Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton reinstated associate Professor Karen Leader on Nov. 18 after placing her on paid leave for social media posts about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The institution’s investigation concluded the posts were protected under the First Amendment and did not disrupt campus operations.

FAU opened the inquiry after Professor Leader shared comments on X about Kirk, painting him in a negative light directly after his shooting, which prompted online backlash after Jordan Chamberlain, a former DeSantis staffer, viralized the posts.

Professor Leader was the first of two FAU faculty members suspended in connection with posts referencing Charlie Kirk assassination, as reported by University Press.

Campus Reform asked Leader whether she viewed her reinstatement as a First Amendment victory or evidence of administrative pressure on outspoken faculty.

“It is neither,” Leader said. “It was a coordinated effort by state actors (Jordan Chamberlain, former DeSantis staffer, ‘reported’ my reposts) to use doxing and algorithms to harass those they consider ‘enemies.’”

Leader said online amplification of her posts led to threats and heightened security measures for her classes.

When asked whether FAU should adopt a clear policy protecting faculty from discipline over personal social media activity, Leader said “No.”

”I believe the upper administration at FAU needs to focus on university priorities—research, teaching, mentorship, student safety, excellence in our diversity—instead of taking orders from ideological flamethrowers,” Leader told Campus Reform.

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