In a case that has reignited debates on free speech in academia, Clemson University has reached a settlement with a professor who was fired over a social media post concerning the late Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk. Dr. Joshua Bregy, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, was terminated in September 2025 but will now remain employed under specific terms until mid-2026.
The Controversial Post and Termination
The controversy stemmed from a Facebook post shared by Dr. Bregy following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Reports indicate that while Bregy condemned the violence, his commentary suggested that Kirk's own rhetoric had consequential fallout. He explicitly stated he did not advocate for violence but added a note on what he perceived as swift and ironic karma. The professor emphasized that "no one should be gunned down" while simultaneously pointing out the harmful impact of Kirk's statements.
This post led Clemson University to terminate Bregy's employment. The move drew immediate attention from free speech advocates, setting the stage for a legal confrontation.
Terms of the Settlement Agreement
The settlement, as reported, carefully outlines Bregy's reinstated status and future prospects. Dr. Joshua Bregy will remain a Clemson employee with full benefits until May 15, 2026. However, his role during this period is strictly limited; he will not teach or have any interaction with students.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
- Dismissal of Bregy's lawsuit against Clemson University and its officials.
- The university's Provost, Robert H. Jones, will provide positive letters of recommendation to aid Bregy's future employment.
- Bregy is permitted to continue listing Clemson University as his institutional affiliation for any pending research grants until his resignation date, safeguarding his research activities and funding opportunities.
Broader Implications for Academic Freedom
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina, which represented Bregy, hailed the settlement as a significant victory. They framed it as a win for academic freedom and the First Amendment rights of university faculty. Legal Director Allen Chaney stated the agreement not only restores employment but also serves as a deterrent against future violations of free speech rights by the institution.
This case mirrors another recent incident where Darren Michael, an associate professor at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, was reinstated and awarded $500,000 after being fired for resharing a post about Charlie Kirk. These parallel cases have propelled the issue of university responses to faculty social media activity on controversial topics into the national spotlight.
The settlements arrive amid heightened political scrutiny. Republican lawmakers and conservative groups have previously called for accountability from universities and faculty members whose posts appeared to celebrate or justify Kirk's murder, highlighting the tense intersection of politics, personal expression, and professional conduct in higher education.
