Murfreesboro, TN – Middle Tennessee State University dismissed an assistant dean of students late Wednesday after she posted a controversial message on social media regarding the murder of activist Charlie Kirk.
“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large. This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family,” Sydney McPhee, the President of the school said in a statement.
University President Sidney A. McPhee issued a late-night statement confirming that the employee, who worked directly with students in a position of trust, was terminated effective immediately. McPhee said the comments were “inappropriate and callous” and “undermined the university’s credibility and reputation.”
The employee, identified as Laura Sosh-Lightsy, had posted on Facebook shortly after news of Kirk’s death, writing: “Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.”
Screenshots of the post quickly spread across social media, drawing backlash. A LinkedIn profile listed Sosh-Lightsy as the assistant dean of students at MTSU, a role she had held since joining the university full-time.
McPhee emphasized that the remarks did not reflect the values of the university and extended condolences to the Kirk family on behalf of MTSU.
Key Points
- MTSU assistant dean of students Laura Sosh-Lightsy was fired after posting comments on Facebook about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
- University President Sidney A. McPhee said the remarks were “inappropriate and callous” and inconsistent with school values.
- The termination was effective immediately, with MTSU offering condolences to Kirk’s family.
The swift firing underscored how one post can end a career in hours.