LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — Cumberland University has parted ways with a faculty member and a staff member who reportedly posted “inappropriate” comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was hit by a single shot while speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point USA, the nonprofit political organization he co-founded, at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. He was brought to the hospital and pronounced dead hours later.
Teachers, firefighters, and elected officials across the country have lost their jobs or become the subject of investigations after making comments about Kirk’s assassination.
For example, in Tennessee, a member of Middle Tennessee State University‘s Office of Student Care and Conduct was fired, two faculty members at East Tennessee State University were suspended, and an employee of Metro Nashville dispatch was put on administrative leave, all for social media posts related to Kirk’s death.
Cumberland University turned to social media on Friday, Sept. 12, saying Dr. Michael Rex and Max Wood, both of whom made “inappropriate comments on the internet related to the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk,” were “no longer employed by” the school. However, officials did not specify whether the men were fired or resigned.
“This decision was not made lightly. We understand the importance and impact of this action, and we want to emphasize that we conducted a comprehensive investigation prior to making our decision,” Dr. Paul Stumb, the university’s president, said in a statement posted shortly before 10:30 a.m. “We remain steadfast to our mission to promote higher education, nurture academic excellence, and support a safe and inclusive learning environment for all.”
Just under two hours before the university made the announcement about Rex and Wood, Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell posted the following statement on social media:
Cumberland University has been a big part of my life. I am a graduate and former teacher of almost 20 years. Nothing makes me more proud than when a former student tells me how much they enjoyed my class.
This week, that pride for Cumberland has turned to shame with the words of eSport coach Max Wood and English professor Michael Rex. Thankfully, Mr. Wood resigned.
Over many years, Necole and I have supported Cumberland with our time, talents and financially. However, these statements do not reflect our core values and beliefs. As long as Michael Rex remains employed at Cumberland, we will no longer provide that support.
I want Cumberland University to succeed. I also want Cumberland to return to its historic foundation of educating students instead of indoctrinating them.
This news about the two employees comes less than 24 hours after Cumberland University announced Matthew Dowd—an MSNBC contributor who was fired by the network for comments he made on the air during breaking news coverage Wednesday—was scheduled to be this year’s speaker at the Heifner-Martin Endowed Lecture Series, but in the aftermath of Dowd’s comments, officials decided to cancel the October lecture.
Wilson County District Attorney Jason Lawson also posted Friday morning that he canceled his upcoming guest lecture appearance at Cumberland University, saying, “Both personally and as District Attorney, I will not partner with an organization wherein an employee celebrates the commission of a crime, especially one as horrendous as this one. Words matter, and despite my past support of Cumberland, taking a stand here is important.”
Meanwhile, authorities announced the arrest of a suspect in Kirk’s assassination Friday morning. According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterward that he was responsible.
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