Rider University Fires Adjunct After Facebook Posts About Charlie Kirk Lead to Campus Threats
After tweeting about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, a Rider University adjunct lecturer was fired. She was fired by the institution after the posts provoked uproar and campus threats. Rider University administrators stressed that the decision was based on how views were expressed and community safety.
Faculty member Kate Ecke posted many Facebook posts denouncing the public response to Kirk’s death. Her message indicated that she did not care that Charlie Kirk was shot, saying that many are horrified over his death yet silent when youngsters are killed. She called “mouth breathers” in another tweet and said the message was not who deserved to die but that violence should be condemned worldwide. Many community members and leaders criticized these comments.
University authorities said Rider’s senior leadership team and legal counsel investigated the posts and found the professor violated the respectful and civil participation policy. Vice President of External Affairs called the posts offensive, especially when they threatened Riders. The university highlighted that they were punishing the adjunct for how her perspective threatened campus safety, not her political views.
The Rider Chapter of the AAUP highlighted academic freedom concerns in response. AAUP contended that the university’s contract prohibits penalties for private speech, even if it’s contentious or insulting. They said terminating someone for their private remarks endangers faculty rights.
Rider University reported that police are investigating threats. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and open discourse while balancing civility and safety. The issue has raised questions about how institutions should balance free expression and campus security, especially when social media remarks provoke threats or disruption.
Academics are increasingly concerned about internet speech, faculty responsibility, free expression, and institutional risk. Universities nationwide are clarifying social media, speech outside the classroom, and public statements as grounds for disciplinary action due to similar situations.
Sources
Patch (New Jersey)
The Rider News
AAUP statements
