Liberal professors’ group backs faculty speech after Charlie Kirk assassination, silent on condemning attack

Charlie Kirk held a mirror to the face of higher education: Jonathan Turley

George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley joins 'Fox & Friends' to weigh in on Attorney General Pam Bondi warning against inciting political violence amid the rise in online rhetoric.

The nation’s leading professors’ group defended faculty speech rights after the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, but stopped short of condemning his killing.

Rather, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), founded in 1915, called for leaders of universities to avoid "political pressure" to fire faculty members over comments made about the conservative powerhouse in the aftermath of his death.

"The AAUP notes with great alarm the rash of recent administrative actions to discipline faculty, staff, and student speech in the aftermath of the murder of Charlie Kirk," the AAUP wrote in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. "We write to remind leaders of colleges and universities of their fundamental duty to protect academic freedom and the absolute necessity to ensure that the freedom to discuss topics of public import without constraint is not curtailed under political pressure."

'SLEEPING GIANT' LIKELY WOKE UP FOR TURNING POINT USA AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION

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

Many locals and students returning to campus on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, stopped by a memorial at Utah Valley University to pay their respects to conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated less than a week ago.  (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)

Faculty were also encouraged to hold administrators accountable for bringing Kirk or TPUSA events to campus through petitions, votes of no confidence and pressuring donors. Professors were advised to add syllabus language or push for campus policies restricting unauthorized classroom filming, as TPUSA-affiliated students have recorded left-wing professors and submit their names to the organization's Professor Watchlist. 

When asked by Fox News Digital whether it stands by its past descriptions of Kirk and TPUSA — and how it balances support for faculty with the principles of academic freedom and free speech for groups it opposes — the AAUP said: "Colleges and universities should exercise restraint and not interfere with legitimate invitations to outside speakers, except in the most extraordinary circumstances where strong evidence of imminent danger justifies rescinding an invitation."

The AAUP did not answer a follow-up question about whether TPUSA and Kirk fall under the "extraordinary circumstances" where "danger" justifies revoking an invitation to college campuses.

The AAUP has long staked out progressive positions in higher education, frequently siding with faculty who oppose restricting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Last year, the group also reversed its longtime opposition to academic boycotts policies.

PASTOR RECALLS LAST MOMENTS WITH CHARLIE KIRK: 'AMERICAN MARTYR'

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.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

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.