A UCLA employee has been placed on leave following social media posts regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Jonathan Perkins, director of race and equity at UCLA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, made comments on BlueSky that appeared to express satisfaction over Kirk’s death. Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University during his American Comeback Tour.
UCLA confirmed the leave in a statement, emphasizing that while free expression is valued, celebrating violence is unacceptable. Perkins, in his defense, stated that his posts were personal and protected by the First Amendment. He expressed no grief over Kirk’s death, describing Kirk as a white nationalist.
The incident has sparked controversy, with several individuals facing repercussions for their comments on Kirk’s death. Perkins reported receiving death threats and having his personal information exposed online. He criticized UCLA’s decision as “fascism at work.”
UCLA has launched an investigation into Perkins’ posts, which were widely shared by conservative figures. University officials, including UC President James Milliken, condemned the violence against Kirk, calling it an attack on societal freedoms.
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