Multiple employees at Auburn University were terminated Wednesday for what Auburn President Christopher Roberts described as “insensitive” social media posts.
Roberts wrote in a letter posted to Facebook on Wednesday that the posts were “completely at odds” with the university’s code of conduct.
“Actions that endorse, glorify or trivialize violence undermines that responsibility, have no place at Auburn and fall short of the community of respect and integrity that we work hard each day to uphold,” he wrote.
Neither the number of employees fired nor the nature of the posts were disclosed. The university declined further comment on Wednesday.
While it is not known if the employees fired were faculty, the Auburn University Faculty Handbook states when professors write or speak about “matters of public interest as well as matters related to professional duties and the functioning of the university, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline.” The handbook also says it should be made clear that faculty members are not speaking for the university.
The announcement came after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., made a series of Facebook posts demanding the firing of educators who “mocked” the death of right-wing activist and talk radio host Charlie Kirk. Tuberville thanked Auburn University for terminating their employees.
“Thank you, Auburn University, for taking action and FIRING these sick people who mocked the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They have NO PLACE in our state’s public education system,” Tuberville wrote on Facebook.
Kirk was a right-wing political commentator, host of a radio talk show and founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that encourages conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses.
Among other activities, Turning Point maintains a database known as the Professor Watchlist, which Kirk in 2016 said was intended to “expose” professors the organization accused of promoting “anti-American values” and advancing “leftist propaganda in the classroom.” The organization has been accused of leaving college professors open to harassment.
Auburn University officials did not have a comment on if any professors from the university were targeted by the watch list.
Roberts said in the letter that employees who condone or promote violence can be suspended or have other personnel actions taken against them and campus should be a place where everyone is accepted.
“I have emphasized the importance of fostering a campus where every member of our community feels welcomed, valued, respected and engaged. We remain steadfast in that commitment and remain committed to fostering a campus environment that is both respectful and safe,” he wrote.
Read more at AlabamaReflector.com.