A University of South Dakota professor who was placed on leave over a social media post critical of Charlie Kirk is suing several university and state officials.
Professor Michael Hook filed a lawsuit Tuesday to stop his firing, arguing his post was protected free speech under the First Amendment.
Hook is a tenured art professor at USD. After conservative commentator Kirk was fatally shot, Hook posted on Facebook calling Kirk a “hate-spreading Nazi.”
Within days of the post, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced intent to fire Hook.
Now, Hook is seeking a restraining order and injunction to prevent his termination. The lawsuit names three defendants, including Board of Regents President Tim Rave, USD President Sheila Gestring, and Dean of the USD College of Fine Arts Bruce Kelley.
There has been similar legal action in Iowa, as an Oskaloosa High School art teacher has also filed a federal lawsuit after his firing following Kirk assassination comments.
Teacher Matthew Kargol is accusing the school district of violating his free speech rights.
Oskaloosa Superintendent Mike Fisher said the post by Kargol was harmful to the district, so the school board fired him.
