By Ayron Lewallen, Riley Conlon
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WVTM) — A former educator at Auburn University and the University of Alabama is suing several school leaders over her firing, which she says occurred due to a statement she made on social media regarding the assassination of conservative-activist and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk.
Candice Hale, formerly a lecturer in Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts, argues her comments about Kirk’s death were constitutionally protected speech on matters of public concern and that the university’s decision to fire her was a violation of her First Amendment rights.
“Such retaliation cuts to the heart of democratic principles, where open discourse and the free exchange of ideas are essential to the preservation of liberty and justice,” the complaint reads.
The statement that allegedly led to Hale’s firing was posted to Facebook on Sept. 11, the day after Kirk was killed.
On Sept. 17, Auburn University released a statement announcing the termination of employees that had made “social media posts that were hurtful, insensitive and completely at odds with Auburn’s values of respect, integrity and responsibility in violation of our Code of Conduct.”
While Kirk’s death was not mentioned in the statement, U.S. Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville attributed the move to comments about the assassination.
“Thank you, @AuburnU, for taking action and FIRING these sick people who mocked the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Tuberville posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday. “They have NO PLACE in our state’s public education system.”
That same day, Hale alleges that she was asked to join an online meeting with Scott Forehand, Director of Compliance, Investigations, and Security at Auburn University, and Chris Hardman, a Behavioral Threat Assessment Coordinator.
Hale says she was asked several questions regarding her post, including:
“How students who were in the University’s Turning Point USA chapter would feel about her comments.” “How she would interact with white male students if they identified themselves with Kirk’s views.” “If she had access to firearms or had any intent to harm anyone in the Turning Point USA chapter at Auburn.” Hale says that, following the meeting, Forehand and Hardman found her not to be a threat to the safety of those on campus.
However, two days later, Hale was requested for another meeting, this time with Tami Poe, Senior Manager of Human Resources in the Dean’s Office, and Jason Hicks, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Ahead of the meeting, Hale was told that she was being placed on paid leave and would not be allowed to contact her students.
On Sept. 22, Hale alleges she was told by Poe that she could not have legal counsel during the meeting. Hale joined the second online meeting the next day and was told they planned to fire her and offered her a severance agreement.
Poe, Hicks, Forehand, Hardman and Auburn President Christopher Roberts are all named in the suit, which seeks both monetary compensation and job reinstatement, along with measures to prevent future retaliation.
Hale says is also pursuing legal action against leadership at the University of Alabama where she was employed in an adjunct position and allegedly fired for her comments on Kirk’s death as well.
“Both institutions have tried to silence my voice,” she said in a Facebook post Thursday. “I reject these efforts. I remain steadfast in defending my right to speak truth to power and to challenge white supremacy, misogyny, and injustice—especially within academic spaces.”
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