A fired University of South Dakota professor has been reinstated to his job, following a federal judge granting a temporary order to halt his termination.
USD art professor Michael Hook had written a Facebook post two weeks ago following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Hook said Kirk was a “hate-spreading Nazi.”
That moved South Dakota Governor Larrry Rhoden and others to say Hook should be fired, which is what USD officials did.
About 50 people observed the hearing at the Federal Courthouse in Sioux Falls on Wednesday.
Judge Karen Schreier granted the order. She said USD officials failed to show evidence that Hook's words have led to any disruption in the college workplace or environment.
Justin Bell is the attorney representing the South Dakota Board of Regents and USD officials. Bell said he’s not sure that Hook “calling (Kirk) a Nazi” is protected speech.
The order ends the administrative leave for the professor and reinstates him until Oct. 8, the date of the preliminary injunction hearing.
