WAUSAU − Wausau River District Executive Director Callie Wulk is “no longer employed” with the organization after making a social media post following the Sept. 10 shooting and death of 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk that its board said in a statement does not reflect its values.
Wulk reposted a link to a news story by National Public Radio Sept. 10 about Kirk’s shooting at an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University. At the top of the post, she added a comment, “well deserved,” along with three clapping hand emojis.
The post quickly went viral with people condemning Wulk’s comment and calling for the organization to fire her.
The Wausau River District sent a news release the morning of Sept. 11 saying its Board was aware of the recent social media post by Wulk, and that it did not reflect the values of the organization or the broader Wausau community. The release also stated that Wulk is no longer employed by the Wausau River District.
“We believe that Main Streets are for everyone,” the Board said in the statement. “At the core of our work is a commitment to inclusive engagement, shared prosperity and respect for all people − regardless of political affiliation, background or belief.”
The Board said in the statement that it recognizes and respects individual expression, but also believes that human dignity must always be upheld, even in moments of profound political or cultural disagreement.
The Wausau River District Board is taking immediate steps to ensure the organization continues to model the values it publicly upholds, Board President Joe Mella said in the release.
“We remain committed to serving the downtown community with integrity and respect. Our hearts are with the Kirk family and all those impacted by yesterday’s senseless violence in Utah,” the statement concluded.
The Wausau River District hired Wulk as its executive director in May 2024. She had recently completed a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis on community and economic impact. She previously served as director of outreach at Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation.
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Contact Karen Madden at kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Wausau River District director ousted after post about Charlie Kirk death