Tenured University of South Dakota Art Professor Sues to Block Firing Over Controversial Charlie Kirk Social Media Posts

Phillip Michael Hook, a tenured art professor at the University of South Dakota, is suing the South Dakota Board of Regents and university officials after being placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired for a controversial social media post regarding the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Hook's Facebook post described Kirk as a "hate spreading Nazi" and expressed no sympathy for his death, comments that drew criticism from state political leaders including Governor Larry Rhoden and Speaker Jon Hansen. Hook's lawsuit argues that his First Amendment rights were violated, citing precedent that protects free speech even when it is controversial, and seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent his termination and retaliation. The case highlights broader tensions over free speech on social media, with similar disputes involving educators in other states following politically charged incidents. Despite deleting the post and issuing an apology, Hook faces a personal conference with the Board of Regents, which his lawsuit describes as a "foregone conclusion" toward termination. The controversy has sparked public petitions supporting Hook's reinstatement and raised questions about the limits of free speech for public university employees.