January 1, Judge Puts Fired Professor Back After Kirk Slur

Wyatt’s Take

• A professor got his job back after calling Charlie Kirk a Nazi online.
• The court said his words were protected by free speech and blocked the university from firing him.
• Leaders and folks in South Dakota called for the professor’s termination, showing real outrage.

A South Dakota professor who called Charlie Kirk a “Nazi” on Facebook, and said Kirk’s family “deserved better,” has been reinstated by court order after being removed from his job.

Judge Karen Schreie issued a restraining order to put Professor Phillip Michael Hook back at the University of South Dakota, ruling that his words were protected by free speech.

Hook made the post right after Kirk was killed at a speaking event. His comments described Kirk as a “hate spreading Nazi” and said he felt no sympathy for Kirk, but soon after, Hook deleted the post and issued a public apology, saying he regretted it.

Speaker Jon Hansen reacted on X, sharing, “Yesterday, I was made aware of these hateful and vile comments made by a University of South Dakota professor regarding the death of Charlie Kirk and Charlie’s family. I am disgusted by his remarks, and think they are unbecoming of someone who works for and represents our University. That kind of disgusting rhetoric from an employee and representative of our university directed toward a good man’s family who was recently assassinated will not be tolerated.”

Yesterday, I was made aware of these hateful and vile comments made by a University of South Dakota professor regarding the death of Charlie Kirk and Charlie’s family. I am disgusted by his remarks, and think they are unbecoming of someone who works for and represents our… pic.twitter.com/FIVa1OlGrM

— Speaker Jon Hansen (@SpeakerHansen) September 12, 2025

Governor Larry Rhoden called for the professor’s firing, saying on X, “When I read this post, I was shaking mad. The Board of Regents intends to FIRE this University of South Dakota professor, and I’m glad. This individual stands in front of South Dakota students to educate them. We must not send the message to our kids that this is acceptable public discourse. We need more Charlie Kirks on campus and less hatred like this.”

When I read this post, I was shaking mad. The Board of Regents intends to FIRE this University of South Dakota professor, and I’m glad.

This individual stands in front of South Dakota students to educate them. We must not send the message to our kids that this is acceptable… pic.twitter.com/tzYs1svHGw

— Governor Larry Rhoden (@GovLarryRhoden) September 12, 2025

After public backlash, Hook was put on leave, and the university began termination proceedings. He sued, saying his free speech rights were violated, leading to the court’s decision to put him back on the job for now.

This case is part of a pattern where professors faced consequences for posts made after Kirk’s death. Some mocked or supported the assassination and lost their jobs.

Let us know what you think about the court’s ruling—should free speech always come first, or are some things just plain out of line? Make your voice heard.

Wyatt Matters

This story strikes at the heart of values in Middle America—respect, decency, and standing up for what’s right. Folks here know that words matter, and leadership is about setting a good example for our kids and communities, not earning headlines for hateful speech.

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