A wave of lawsuits is now unfolding, filed by former state employees who lost their jobs after publicly reacting to the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The terminations followed a swift and organized campaign by conservatives, turning the tables on what many described as a common liberal response to tragic events.
The initial outrage stemmed from widespread social media posts celebrating the shooting at Utah Valley University. This time, however, the reaction was different – a concerted effort to identify and seek the dismissal of those expressing joy or indifference.
Among those challenging their firings is Kevin Courtwright, a landscape supervisor at Auburn University. He was terminated after a Facebook post labeled Kirk as “fascist” and “nazi trash,” a statement he made in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Courtwright’s lawsuit argues his off-duty comments did not disqualify him from his position. His legal team revealed a deeply personal reason for his strong reaction: a harrowing experience witnessing the aftermath of a school shooting attempt in 2014, where he was tasked with cleaning up the scene.
The fallout at Auburn University extended beyond Courtwright. Candice Hale, a lecturer, was also fired for a scathing post refusing to mourn Kirk, whom she described as a “racist, fascist, misogynist.” Her words were uncompromising in their condemnation.
Auburn University’s president swiftly announced the terminations, stating the posts were “hurtful, insensitive and completely at odds” with the university’s values. The message underscored a firm stance against expressions deemed to violate the institution’s code of conduct.
In Arkansas, Joy Gray, a health department official, was dismissed for a seemingly sarcastic comment questioning Kirk’s well-being. She is now arguing a violation of her First Amendment rights, though the state disputes the basis of her claim.
A Florida biologist, Brittney Brown, lost her job after sharing a satirical Instagram story mocking Kirk’s stance on school shootings. The post quickly gained attention after being shared by a prominent social media account, and Brown alleges the governor’s office was involved in her termination.
The repercussions reached Tennessee, where a high school science teacher, Emily Orbinson, faced suspension for a similar post. A state senator publicly demanded her dismissal, adding further pressure.
These lawsuits raise complex questions about the boundaries of free speech, particularly when it comes to public employees and their expressions outside of work. The core of the debate centers on whether celebrating a violent act, even against a controversial figure, warrants job loss.
As these former employees invoke the First Amendment in court, a stark contrast emerges: they are seeking protection for their speech while simultaneously defending expressions of celebration following an act of violence against someone else exercising their own right to speak.
