BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WVTM) — An Alabama professor says she was dismissed from her position because of a social media post she made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to her, both the University of Alabama and Auburn University violated her First Amendment right to free speech. She has filed a lawsuit against both institutions, stating that her fight is about protecting freedom of expression for everyone.
“My right to speak was taken away,” said Candice Hale.
Hale emphasized that free speech is a right guaranteed to all Americans, regardless of who they are.
She was terminated from her job at the University of Alabama and placed on leave at Auburn University.
“If Charlie Kirk can use his platform to say harmful things for the world to hear, then the world should also hear what Auburn and Alabama have done to me,” Hale stated.
Her lawsuit targets leaders at both universities, accusing them of violating her constitutional rights.
“If this is what it takes for them to listen, then I’m willing to do it,” she added.
Hale explained that she made the post on September 11, after learning of Kirk’s death.
“I said, ‘Oh my God, this man was such a bigoted racist.’ He embodied every type of prejudice you could name,” she recalled.
She noted that her post was only visible to her Facebook friends, where she expressed that she would “not mourn the wicked.”
“I saw people online calling him a good man, saying he was assassinated, and I thought, ‘What good man?’ He wasn’t living as a Christian should,” Hale said.
Five days later, Hale says her supervisor called to tell her that the university president was upset about the post.
“I never said I wanted him dead or was happy he died. I simply said I wouldn’t mourn someone who openly disrespected anyone different from him,” she explained.
Hale admitted her academic career at the University of Alabama might be over but vowed to continue speaking out for free speech.
“My voice is my strength. My words are my weapon,” she said.
Both the University of Alabama and Auburn University declined to comment on the situation when contacted by WVTM.
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