A Montana State University-Northern professor faces scrutiny after making controversial social media comments about Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure recently assassinated. Despite the university’s action nearly two weeks ago, faculty remain uninformed about how the administration is addressing the situation, shared a local union representative. This case highlights ongoing concerns around faculty speech on social media platforms.
Mark Seiffert, president of the campus faculty union and an MSU-Northern professor, noted that the incident raises questions about permissible online speech for university staff. “Some faculty have asked, ‘Well if they’re going over the line, where is the line?'” he said, reflecting on the incident’s chilling effect on free speech. The university placed the professor, Samantha Balemba-Brownlee, on leave on Sept. 12, stating an evaluation of the situation is underway.
This event is part of a broader national trend where Kirk’s supporters seek disciplinary action against those making perceived insensitive comments following his death. Multiple supporters of Kirk have contacted university administrators, urging action against Balemba-Brownlee, who teaches criminal justice and has a doctorate from Simon Fraser University.
Balemba-Brownlee’s Facebook posts called Kirk a “misogynistic, racist, homophobic, xenophobic asshole,” criticizing him for spreading hate. Her comments were initially private, but were made public by Havre city councilwoman Sarah McKinney on social media. The university’s chancellor, Greg Kegel, stated that the comments reflect individual opinions and do not align with MSU-Northern’s values. The university follows a review process to decide on employment outcomes, with the school’s human resources officer playing a key role.
Further complicating the situation, Montana Board of Regents’ free speech framework does not limit personal political speech outside the university but does not specifically address social media. A 2023 state law prevents employer termination based solely on legal free speech, including social media statements.
Kelly Benjamin from the American Association of University Professors remarked that academic views are increasingly targeted nationwide. “We’re certainly seeing a climate of fear permeate throughout our both public and private colleges and universities nationwide,” Benjamin said. MSU-Northern has faced other speech-related controversies, including actions against students for derogatory remarks.
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