CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) – Two South Florida universities have taken action against staff members following controversial comments on social media in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Known for hosting debates and conversations at college campuses, Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The father of two was 31.
The shooting suspect, Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody on Friday.
Posts about prayers for Kirk and his family have flooded social media, but under one of them was a post shared by Dr. Michelle Bravo, a neurologist at the University if Miami Miller School of Medicine.
The post reads in part:
“What was done to Charlie Kirk was done to countless Palestinian babies, children, girls, boys, women and men … Charlie Kirk came out to say: I love this, I want more of this … As Malcolm [X] said, the chickens have come home to roost.”
The post generated heavy criticism and more than a million views. Now Bravo is off the job, after the university was made aware
The UM Miller School of Medicine released a statement that reads:
“The University of Miami regrets unacceptable public commentary made by one of our employees.
This individual is no longer employed by our institution. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. At the same time, expressions that condone or endorse violence or are incompatible with our policies and values are not acceptable.”
Florida Atlantic University confirmed they placed a tenured faculty member on administrative leave pending an investigation.
The university posted a statement from FAU President Adam Hasner that reads in part:
“Earlier today I became aware of repeated comments on social media made by a tenured faculty member regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Our focus remains on our academic community’s responsibility to promote civil discourse, conduct healthy debate, and treat one another with respect. This applies to all students, faculty, and staff, no matter their political leanings.”
These actions take place as thousands of supporters are expected to pay their respects to Kirk at a memorial service set for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
As of Sunday night, FAU has not released the identity of the faculty member who was suspended.
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