I-TEAM: Southern suspends professor, moves to terminate her

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Southern University law professor Kelly Carmena was suspended Friday over comments she reportedly made on social media in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, the WAFB I-Team confirmed.

The university states that it is now proceeding to terminate her employment as an investigation into her conduct commences.

In a post shared with WAFB, Carmena allegedly said, “I will 1000% wish death on people like him. He is the epitome of evil, and I have no compassion, not even a minute ounce of it for people like him who go around spewing hate the way he does.”

Southern University Board Chairman Tony Clayton confirmed the investigation.

“She has been suspended effective immediately based on the cause that she participated in conduct that was prejudicial to the university,” Clayton said. “The school will investigate this matter to finalize terminating her from the university.”

Clayton said that there is no room for what he believes to be hate speech.

“Distasteful statements should not be tolerated particularly as it relates to death. That is tantamount to participating and inciting violence and spewing hate,” Clayton said. “That conduct will not be tolerated at Southern University period.”

The Southern University Law Center issued the following statement:

“The Southern University Law Center is aware of a recent social media post involving one of our employees that has raised concern. The views expressed in that post are the individual’s own and do not reflect the values or positions of the Law Center. We are reviewing this matter in accordance with the institution’s personnel policies and procedures. The Law Center is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and professionalism both online and offline.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill released the following statement:

“Great news,” she said. She further added, “Political violence has NO place in a democratic society. The comments posted by this individual were abhorrent. Whatever your opinion is of Charlie, his assassination marked a dark day for all Americans and should be resoundingly condemned. This individual has a constitutional right to have opinions and social media amplifies them. But she does not have a right to teach at a public law school.” - AG Murrill

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