Emory University Terminates Faculty Member Over Social Media Posts Supporting Gun Violence

Strategic Insights -

Emory University terminated a non-clinical faculty member, identified as Associate Professor Anna Kenney, after she made posts on social media expressing joy over the assassination of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk and saying "good riddance" in response to his death. The university removed Kenney's profile from its website following an outpour of criticism from conservative politicians, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), who threatened to freeze contracts with Emory University unless Kenney was terminated.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emory University terminated a non-clinical faculty member, Associate Professor Anna Kenney, due to social media posts that expressed support for gun violence.
  • Kenney's posts were made after the assassination of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk, and she expressed joy over his death, saying "good riddance" in response to another post.
  • The university removed Kenney's profile from its website following the controversy.
  • Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) threatened to freeze contracts with Emory University unless Kenney was terminated.
  • Emory University's Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, Joon Lee, condemned the use of social media to promote or glorify violence in a statement on September 15.
  • The university's Assistant Vice President of University Communications, Laura Diamond, stated that the university could not provide further comment on the termination as it is a personnel matter.

Statistics:

  • Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10 by Tyler Robinson, who was later arrested on seven charges, including aggravated murder.
  • Emory University's Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, Joon Lee, condemned the use of social media to promote or glorify violence in a statement on September 15.
  • Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) threatened to freeze contracts with Emory University unless the university terminated the faculty member suspected of making the posts.

Sources:

  • Laura Diamond, "Emory University terminates non-clinical faculty member," Emory University press release, no date provided.
  • Joon Lee, "Executive Vice President of Health Affairs statement on social media and violence," Emory University email, September 15.
  • Emory University, "Update on Faculty Member Termination," Emory University press release, September 18, 2025.