COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A North Idaho College assistant professor is waiting for a decision on his employment status from the college’s board of trustees Monday evening, following his controversial Facebook post about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The social media post, made last week, appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death and concluded with “thoughts and prayers you make it to hell,” according to college officials.
4 News Now is not naming the professor at this time, as we have not yet independently verified his name.
The North Idaho College Board of Trustees scheduled an executive session for 5 p.m. on September 15 to discuss what the agenda describes as “discussion on the impact of recent social media posting on the college community.” The meeting is expected to be held behind closed doors.
The assistant professor joins a growing list of employees who have faced consequences for social media posts about Kirk’s death. In Idaho, a state employee and a Meridian High School teacher have already lost their jobs over similar posts.
Students on the North Idaho College campus expressed mixed reactions to the controversy. Some believe professors should have freedom of speech on their private social media accounts as long as it doesn’t impact students, while others feel the alleged post crossed professional boundaries.
“It shouldn’t have been said. Whether it was mockery or not towards everything that was going on. I know it was blowing up all over the media of people talking about the different sides of his death, but I don’t think anything politically should be said,” said Gabi Vargas, an NIC sophomore.
The professor has been placed on administrative leave, and at least one class was canceled Monday as a result of the investigation.
North Idaho College President Nic Swayne addressed the situation in a written statement, saying the college is investigating the allegations about the instructor’s social media posts.
“We want to assure our community that this matter is a priority and we are treating it with the utmost importance,” Swayne wrote.
The executive session will determine whether or not the assistant professor will face termination, continued suspension, or other disciplinary action. The college has not indicated when a final decision will be announced publicly.
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