Red State University Faces Major Firestorm Over Response To Faculty’s Kirk Reactions

Clemson University, one of South Carolina’s flagship institutions, is facing scrutiny after two professors were accused of celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The controversy has caused indignation from state lawmakers, alumni, and parents, putting the university’s leadership under the spotlight.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice in conservative politics, was shot and killed on Wednesday while appearing at a campus event at Utah Valley University. The shocking murder of the 31-year-old commentator drew immediate condemnation from leaders across the country and left supporters demanding answers.

In the days following his death, troubling posts began circulating online from accounts belonging to Clemson faculty. Screenshots obtained by Campus Reform show messages mocking Kirk, with one professor reposting a line reading, “no one mourns the wicked,” and others implying that he “deserved” the fatal attack.

via X

One of the individuals identified is Melvin Earl Villaver Jr., an assistant professor of audio technology and global black studies in Clemson’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. His social media accounts have since been deactivated or locked after widespread backlash.

The university released a statement on Thursday condemning “any and all expressions that endorse, glorify, or celebrate political violence.” Administrators called the remarks “deeply inappropriate” and inconsistent with the values of the school.

via X

Clemson emphasized its commitment to free speech protections under the Constitution but drew a line at incitement or threats. “That right does not extend to speech that incites harm or undermines the dignity of others,” the statement read. “We will take appropriate action for speech that constitutes a genuine threat which is not protected by the Constitution.”

University officials have not yet announced whether disciplinary action will be taken against the faculty involved, leaving critics unsatisfied.

The fallout has been swift. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) blasted the school, writing on X: “Two Clemson professors have publicly cheered the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Not one known disciplinary action. Not one word from @ClemsonUniv. Thanks to @ClemsonCRs for exposing them. If this is who’s shaping our students, parents, donors, and taxpayers deserve to know. This cannot stand.”

Two Clemson professors have publicly cheered the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Not one known disciplinary action. Not one word from @ClemsonUniv. Thanks to @ClemsonCRs for exposing them.

If this is who’s shaping our students, parents, donors, and taxpayers deserve to know.…

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) September 12, 2025

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson confirmed that he has contacted Clemson President Jim Clements seeking answers about the situation. State Rep. Thomas Beach (R-SC) also expressed outrage, declaring: “The more this sits with me the more it makes my blood boil. We cannot allow them to get away with this.”

The more this sits with me the more it makes my blood boil. We cannot allow them to get away with this. https://t.co/XZzu4kakkc

— Rep. Thomas Beach (@ThomasBeach) September 12, 2025

The growing political pressure has turned what began as a campus controversy into a statewide firestorm.

Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and their two young children: a daughter born in August 2022, and a son born in May 2024.