A Southern University law professor has been suspended after a controversial social media post about conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked backlash nationwide. The incident has reignited debates over free speech, professionalism in higher education, and the limits of online expression for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The professor, Kelly Carmena, reportedly made the comments on her personal social media account shortly after Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. In her post, Carmena stated: “I will 1000% wish death on people like him. He is the epitome of evil, and I have no compassion, not even a minute ounce of it for people like him who go around spewing hate the way he does.” The message quickly gained traction online, drawing sharp criticism from conservative media outlets and political figures. Southern University’s Board Chairman, Tony Clayton, confirmed Carmena’s immediate suspension. In an official statement, Clayton emphasized that the professor’s remarks were inconsistent with the standards expected of faculty at the Baton Rouge institution. “Distasteful statements should not be tolerated, particularly as it relates to death,” Clayton said. “That conduct will not be tolerated at Southern University, period.”
