Comments made by a William H. Bowen School of Law professor in the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk continue to spark outrage and calls for accountability from state leaders at the highest level.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point and a well-known figure in national conservative politics, was shot dead Sept. 10 while leading an on-campus event at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with the crime Sept. 12 and arraigned on Sept. 16 on charges ranging from aggravated murder to obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s murder, social media has been clogged with posts condemning and celebrating the tragic event, with the latter resulting in numerous and highly-publicized consequences from job loss to expulsion from college.
Deltaplex News reported Tuesday that Assistant Professor Felicia Branch, who teaches at the school’s Tax Clinic, entered this fray by posting multiple statements on social media after Kirk’s death, calling it something to “celebrate,” citing Bible verses about divine retribution and suggesting Kirk’s assassination made the world “a little more balanced.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge, and Attorney General Tim Griffin have now called on the University of Arkansas Little Rock to take action, per local media reports.
Gov. Sanders posted a statement on X saying, “An Arkansas law professor publicly celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk. [The professor’s] comments are vile, disgusting and unacceptable — she must be fired immediately.”
AG Tim Griffin released a similar statement saying, in part, “The recent appalling comments by UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law Professor Felicia Branch speak for themselves. There can be no consideration of someone of such evident low character continuing to instruct future lawyers here in Arkansas.
“The First Amendment protects your right to say what you want. It does not, however, guarantee you the job you want, regardless of what you say. The law school should terminate her immediately.”
School officials have since confirmed to multiple press outlets that Branch is facing an investigation and has been suspended with pay.
UALR’s Chancellor Christina Drale released a statement that read:
“Dear Campus Community. This morning, I learned of complaints that a member of our law school faculty posted comments on social media that celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk, and that appear to justify political violence against individuals based on ideology.
“As a university chancellor, I support the right to freedom of expression, but I want to make it clear that I oppose such violent rhetoric in the strongest of terms. As educators, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard of conduct that values civil discourse, speaks clearly about the dangers of political violence, and that prioritizes a rigorous, fair-minded learning environment.
The postings I read this morning do not reflect this standard. I have spoken with Dean Colin Crawford on this matter, and he emphatically agrees that these posts do not reflect the values of the Bowen School of Law.
[University of Arkansas System] President [Jay] Silveria has asked that I review the actions of this faculty member and make a careful determination of any potential action. Therefore, following appropriate due process, we will promptly initiate an investigation into this matter. For the duration of the investigation, the faculty member in question will be suspended with pay.”Also on Tuesday, Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge not only condemned Branch’s actions but underscored that similar posts from state employees will meet with stiff consequences.
“A public employee entrusted with preparing the next generation of lawyers cannot also be someone who publicly glorifies an assassination of a fellow American based on that person’s political beliefs or statements,” Rutledge said via statement. “These statements are incompatible with the values of higher education, the legal profession, and the rule of law. Political disagreements must never be grounds for celebrating violence against fellow Americans.
“Encouraging violence against anyone because of their political beliefs will not be tolerated. As Lieutenant Governor, I will use my position to advocate for the investigation of any public employee who promotes or condones violence toward their fellow Americans based on political disagreement. There is no place for that extremist rhetoric in our classrooms, our government, or our public institutions.”
