LITTLE ROCK – A University of Arkansas at Little Rock law professor has been suspended with pay after making social media posts about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Felicia Branch, a professor at the William H. Bowen School of Law, is under investigation following complaints about her comments.
UALR Chancellor Christina S. Drale released a statement Wednesday:
“This morning I learned of complaints that a member of our law school faculty posted comments on social media that celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk, and that appear to justify political violence against individuals based on ideology. As a university chancellor, I support the right to freedom of expression, but I want to make it clear that I oppose such violent rhetoric in the strongest of terms. As educators we should hold ourselves to a higher standard of conduct that values civil discourse, speaks clearly about the dangers of political violence, and that prioritizes a rigorous, fair-minded learning environment. The postings I read this morning do not reflect this standard. I have spoken with Dean Colin Crawford on this matter, and he emphatically agrees that these posts do not reflect the values of the Bowen School of Law. President Silveria has asked that I review the actions of this faculty member and make a careful determination of any potential action. Therefore, following appropriate due process, we will promptly initiate an investigation into this matter.”
She added: “For the duration of the investigation, the faculty member in question will be suspended with pay.”
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. His appearance there was the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
The killing sparked a national outcry and calls for unity.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin condemned Branch’s comments.
“The recent appalling comments by UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law Professor Felicia Branch speak for themselves. There can be no consideration of someone of such evident low character continuing to instruct future lawyers here in Arkansas. We should and do have broad academic freedom in this country. But protections for scholarship offer no reason for an employer to tolerate an employee unabashedly celebrating political assassination,” Griffin said.
“The First Amendment protects your right to say what you want. It does not, however, guarantee you the job you want, regardless of what you say. The law school should terminate her immediately.”
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also shared her thoughts on X, while Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge issued a formal letter to the law school dean.
For original reporting by KATV in Little Rock visit katv.com.
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