A Middle Tennessee State University employee has been fired after commenting about conservative speaker and influencer Charlie Kirk’s death on social media, the university confirmed.
The university’s actions came after the comments started making the rounds on several social media platforms.
In a statement posted late Sept. 10, MTSU President Sidney McPhee said the employee, who was not named, offered “inappropriate and callous” comments on social media over the death of Charlie Kirk.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who has announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor, shared copies of the comments about Kirk, made by an “assistant dean of students” at the university.
“This person should be ashamed of her post,” Blackburn wrote. “She should be removed from her position at MTSU.”
In his statements, McPhee confirmed the employee was in a position of trust directly with students, and the comments were inconsistent with the university’s values.
The comments have “undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large,” the president’s statement read.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”
This is a developing story. Check back for more information as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MTSU employee fired over ‘inappropriate’ Charlie Kirk comments