Clemson suspends employee as it reviews social posts in wake of Charlie Kirk death
A Clemson University employee has been suspended as the school investigates social media posts made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The school would not identify the employee, but it comes after three employees’ social media posts that appeared to mock or celebrate Kirk’s death were shared by the Clemson College Republicans.
The school added it continues to review posts made by employees since Kirk’s murder.
“Effective immediately, an employee has been suspended pending further investigation into social media posts. This action reflects the seriousness with which Clemson approaches violations of its standards and values,” Clemson said in a statement. “As this is a personnel matter, no further details will be disclosed at this time. Clemson University remains committed to upholding the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the employment laws of the State of South Carolina.”
The move comes after Republican elected officials criticized the school for not taking action for posts from two assistant professors. Most of the calls came from the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus, who wanted state funding stripped from the school. They were joined by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, members of the traditional House GOP caucus, state Sen. Wes Climer, who is running for Congress, and Republicans running for governor.
Social media posts from a third employee at the school surfaced Friday evening when they were shared by the Clemson College Republicans. They pointed their ire at Robin Newberry, who is the asbestos program manager, in the Division of Finance and Operations.
“In a world full of Charlie Kirks and Brian Thompsons, be a Tyler Robinson or a Luigi Mangione,” Newberry posted.
On Saturday, those that have the heaviest influence over how state dollars are spent, House Speaker Murrell Smith, Senate President Thomas Alexander, House Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister and Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler all signed a letter calling for the Clemson Board to take action.
“We urge the Board of Trustees to meet to consider the situation and take immediate and appropriate action,” the letter said. “As trustees, it is your duty to ensure the University and its employees maintain the trust and confidence of South Carolinians.”
The school said a full review of the employees posts continues.
“As stated previously, the university will take decisive and appropriate action in cases where speech is not protected under the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment,” the school said in a statement. “We understand the frustration, and we share the deep concern over the nature of these posts. However, we will continue to act within the bounds of the law and our University policies to ensure accountability and integrity.”
This story was originally published September 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM.
