Minnesota State University, Mankato has responded after one of its professors again made inflammatory comments on social media, this time directed at Charlie Kirk.
In a social media exchange, political science professor Kevin Parsneau referred to Kirk as a “POS who died of the violence he promoted happening to others.” Parsneau also replied to a post about Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings, saying, “Ignoring that racist POS is the only thing the Vikings did right Sunday.”
Kirk was assassinated last week as he spoke with students on the campus of Utah Valley University. Following his tragic death, Americans who admired the conservative free-speech champion issued tributes and remembrances in his honor.
However, many have responded to Kirk’s death with disgusting comments, vile sentiments, and other egregious displays. Some of those behaviors resulted in people being suspended, or fired, from their jobs.
Minnesota State University, Mankato responds
In a statement to Alpha News, Minnesota State University, Mankato said the school “does not endorse views expressed by employees on their personal social media accounts.”
“At Minnesota State Mankato, our core values include Integrity and Respect in the way we conduct ourselves and Responsibility to those we serve by providing an education that inspires solutions to society’s challenges,” the statement continued.
“We uphold our values and our responsibility as public educators, to promote a free exchange of ideas, which always should be expressed in a manner that enlightens and educates without being disparaging or disrespectful of others.
“All University faculty, staff and students are expected to uphold these values in the course of their work responsibilities and interactions on campus and in our community.
“Of course, as U.S. citizens and part of a public institution of higher education, we respect the rights and privileges afforded by the Constitution, including the First Amendment rights protecting the freedom of speech. Because of privacy laws, Minnesota State Mankato does not comment on actions taken with regard to individual employees or students.”
Professor’s prior remarks about slain UnitedHealthcare CEO
Parsneau’s recent comments are not the first time his words have drawn attention. Last year, Republican Congressman Brad Finstad called for Parsneau’s resignation after the professor talked about the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In that case, Parsneau replied to a post about the killing by writing, “It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer.”
The professor later told Alpha News, “My comment was meant to reflect the tone of the question posted by a friend on social media. It was not intended to advocate ending the investigation or violence.”
Parsneau stated that his views do not represent those of the university and emphasized that he would not share such sentiments with students in his classroom.
“I think the general social media response reflects frustration with the healthcare insurance industry,” Parsneau added.
