(MIAMI)— PEN America expressed alarm today over reports that faculty, staff, and students in Florida colleges and universities, along with K-12 teachers, are facing investigation, discipline, or removal from their jobs for social media posts responding to the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The Florida Phoenix reports that several Florida educators now face formal inquiries or penalties from the Florida Department of Education and State University System tied to their remarks. These cases mirror a broader wave of suspensions and dismissals nationwide.
In addition, Florida’s Voice News shared a letter that was sent to the State University System from Chancellor Ray Rodriguez on Sept. 15, in which he directed university presidents “to review policies, procedures, and codes of conduct for employees and students regarding social media postings” related to the killing of Kirk. Ironically, the letter itself cites the necessity of a diversity of ideas, even though it encourages a practice that runs counter to that principle.
William Johnson, Director of PEN America Florida, said:
“By urging administrators to scour codes of conduct for grounds to sanction lawful expression, educational leaders in Florida are collapsing the boundary between perceived offensive commentary and unlawful threats, setting an alarming precedent that stifles open debate. State leaders should resist calls for mass firings and instead reaffirm the principles of fair process and free expression.”
Kristen Shahverdian, PEN America’s Director for Campus Free Speech, stated:
“In moments of national grief and anger, defending the principles of free expression is not optional. Rather, it is essential for the civic and educational health of the state. Florida schools and colleges should not penalize teachers or students, particularly without due process carried out through a consistently applied, constitutionally sound framework to protect free speech.”
PEN America calls on Florida schools and universities to distinguish between constitutionally protected expression and genuine threats to public safety, and to safeguard due process for all employees, to avoid imposing sweeping employment sanctions in response to free speech.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.