A wave of outrage followed the news of Charlie Kirk’s death, occurring less than a day after he addressed a crowd at Utah Valley University. Yet, amidst the grief and shock, a starkly different reaction emerged from an academic source.
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire, and a faculty member in women's studies, swiftly voiced her criticism online. Her response wasn’t to mourn, but to condemn the slain conservative leader and the commentary surrounding his life.
Prescod-Weinstein targeted an opinion piece by Ezra Klein of the New York Times, which acknowledged Kirk’s willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints. She vehemently disagreed, accusing Klein of effectively endorsing what she termed Kirk’s “brand of white supremacy” as a legitimate political approach.
Her words, posted on the platform Bluesky, were scathing. She labeled Klein a “ghoul” and questioned the editorial oversight at the New York Times, suggesting a lack of critical guidance allowed such a perspective to be published.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Prescod-Weinstein’s Bluesky feed reveals a consistent pattern of openly expressed anti-conservative sentiment. Following the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she amplified claims characterizing Republicans as members of a cult.
Her online activity frequently showcases support for progressive political figures, including vocal endorsements of socialist New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. This pattern paints a clear picture of her deeply held political convictions.
Prescod-Weinstein’s activism extends beyond online commentary. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, she co-organized a "#StrikeforBlackLives" movement, urging scientists globally to halt their work and dedicate themselves to anti-racism efforts.
The strike, co-led with a professor from the University of Chicago, was framed not as a gesture of solidarity, but as a focused effort to address the specific conditions faced by Black people and dismantle the pervasive influence of white supremacy within professional and personal spheres.
Attempts to solicit comment from both the University of New Hampshire and Professor Prescod-Weinstein regarding her statements and actions went unanswered, leaving her online expressions as the sole public record of her views.
