A leading professors' group does not condemn Kirk's assassination but condemns faculty being fired over speech celebrating his death on social media. (Joe Raedle)
"At a moment when higher education is threatened by forces that seek to destroy it and its role in a democratic society, the anticipatory obedience shown by this rush to judgment must be avoided," it continued.
Prior to that statement Monday, the AAUP only released a statement last week condemning "the recent and recurring bomb and terroristic threats against multiple historically Black colleges and universities," but no separate statement condemning Kirk's assassination. The AAUP has 44,000 members, according to its website.
The AAUP published material about TPUSA in October 2024, accusing the organization of engaging in "racist, homophobic and transphobic speech while on campus," and described Kirk as a "professional provocateur," saying he "has built a career perfecting how to provoke college students," and is "actively hostile to higher education."
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT
Memorials honoring Charlie Kirk have been held across the country and overseas, including in Berlin. Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025. ( Ilkin Eskipehlivan /Anadolu via Getty Images)
Conservative leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and Attorney General Pam Bondi have demanded accountability for rhetoric they argue fosters hostility toward conservatives and can escalate into violence. Meanwhile, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has urged an "off-ramp" from the cycle of political antagonism.
FBI Director Kash Patel said people who know primary suspect Tyler Robinson, including family members, have told investigators that Robinson "subscribed to left-wing ideology." Family members also allege Robinson expressed hatred for Kirk's views.
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Since Kirk's assassination on Sept. 10 on his "American Comeback Tour," multiple higher education educators and administrators have been investigated, suspended or fired for social-media posts celebrating or justifying his death.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Education for comment.
Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.
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