Clemson University suspended one employee on Saturday over what the university called “inappropriate” social media posts about Charlie Kirk‘s assassination.
“This action reflects the seriousness with which Clemson approaches violations of its standards and values. As this is a personnel matter, no further details will be disclosed at this time,” Clemson wrote in a statement.
“We understand the frustration, and we share the deep concern over the nature of these posts. However, we will continue to act within the bounds of the law and our University policies to ensure accountability and integrity,” the statement added.
The university will also continue to “thoroughly review the inappropriate social media content posted by employees in response to the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk.” The Clemson College Republicans group has kept track of a few employees that have published such posts.
Assistant professor Joshua Bregy has since deleted a repost on his Facebook account that suggested Kirk’s assassination was an example of how “karma is sometimes swift and ironic.”
“As Kirk said, ‘play certain games, win certain prizes,’” the post said.
Another assistant professor, Melvin Earl Villaver Jr., posted on the day of the shooting that it “was one of the most beautiful days ever. The weather was perfect, sunny with a little breeze. This was such a beautiful day.”
In another post, Villaver responded to someone writing that Kirk was “an old looking 31,” the age Kirk was when he was killed.
“Racism and White Supremacy age you,” Villaver wrote in response.
Villaver has since deleted his X account, but screenshots of his posts continue to circulate online.
Clemson’s asbestos program manager, Robin Newberry, was also among those who commented on Kirk’s death.
“In a world of Charlie Kirks and Brian Thompsons, be a Tyler Robinson, or a Luigi Mangione,” Newberry wrote, referencing both the suspect in Kirk’s assassination and the suspect in the earlier murder of a UnitedHealthcare CEO.
President Donald Trump brought the matter to national attention when he shared a post about these employees on Truth Social.
That led to three South Carolina lawmakers jumping into the conversation.
“Even the President, Donald Trump, is aware of how egregious Clemson’s behavior is. Only 1 of 3 Clemson professors ‘suspended’ after allegedly celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death. Not enough,” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said.
“Your First Amendment rights do not include a right to a job! Clemson’s professors were completely inappropriate,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) said. “The vile and disgusting celebration of a murder must compel the university to take clear and immediate action.”
“As the mother of a Clemson student and your Lt. Governor, I am horrified and disgusted by these posts. No one should celebrate, mock, or minimize the death of another human being,” Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said.
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“I’ve spoken with [Clemson University] President Clements and expressed that this individual, and anyone who espouses these types of statements, should never be in a position to shape the minds or hearts of our children and S.C. students,” Evette added.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Clemson University for comment.
