Woman fired by Ball State University over Charlie Kirk post to get $225,000 in settlement
A woman fired for criticizing Charlie Kirk on Facebook has settled a free-speech lawsuit with Ball State University for $225,000.Summary
Suzanne Swierc, a former director of health promotion at Ball State University, was fired last September after posting on Facebook that the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was a reflection of the "violence, fear, and hatred" he sowed. The university cited "significant disruption" to the campus as the reason for her termination. Swierc sued, alleging her firing violated her First Amendment rights as a private citizen speaking on a matter of public concern. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the federal lawsuit on her behalf, and the parties have reached a $225,000 settlement. Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns defended the firing, arguing that the backlash threatened student enrollment and fundraising, and that the settlement was less costly than litigation. Swierc's post was not public, but a screenshot was shared widely online. This case is part of a broader trend where other workers have been fired for social media comments about Kirk's assassination and have won significant settlements.
(Source：Nbc 7 San Diego)