As an educator (particularly one who teaches history/government), I think it is incredibly important that I keep my political opinions to myself and give it straight down the middle. While I have to right to post/state my political views, I think it's just better that I stay silent on those issues.
Public employees do have some 1st Amendment protection for political speech. For example, if I criticized the school board for its spending, I cannot be touched even though I am an employee of that district. My political speech CAN be limited if it causes a substantial disruption. I think the backlash that Clemson has received probably clears that bar. I also don't really think celebrating a crime constitutes political speech. I would prefer that these professors not work at Clemson.
All that said, I don't believe for a second that the folks who are outraged about Charlie Kirk would be outraged if the shoe was on the other foot (or when it was). That is what worries so much about the world that we live in.
As an educator (particularly one who teaches history/government), I think it is incredibly important that I keep my political opinions to myself and give it straight down the middle. While I have to right to post/state my political views, I think it's just better that I stay silent on those issues.
Public employees do have some 1st Amendment protection for political speech. For example, if I criticized the school board for its spending, I cannot be touched even though I am an employee of that district. My political speech CAN be limited if it causes a substantial disruption. I think the backlash that Clemson has received probably clears that bar. I also don't really think celebrating a crime constitutes political speech. I would prefer that these professors not work at Clemson.
All that said, I don't believe for a second that the folks who are outraged about Charlie Kirk would be outraged if the shoe was on the other foot (or when it was). That is what worries so much about the world that we live in.
^^^^^
Says he keeps his political opinions to himself and ends his speech getting political and taking a shot at the right.