California State University, Fresno: Lecturer on Leave After Classroom Comments About Charlie Kirk

On September 10, 2025, after a California State University, Fresno student mentioned Kirk’s shooting, Lecturer Barri Brennan stated, “You want to know what I think? It’s too bad he’s not dead.” In response, the university forced Brennan on leave pending investigation. On September 26, FIRE wrote Fresno State, explaining that the First Amendment protects fleeting classroom comments that others might find offensive, inappropriate, or otherwise controversial. We urged Fresno State to end the investigation into Brennan’s comments and restore her to her position. On January 21, 2026, FIRE learned through public reporting that Fresno State has returned Brennan to teaching.