News Summary
An employee at the University of Mississippi was terminated for resharing insensitive comments about the murder of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influencer. The university condemned the comments as inconsistent with its values of civility and respect. The termination has sparked intense backlash on social media against the former employee, Lauren Stokes, leading to significant personal ramifications, including the closing of her restaurant’s social media accounts. The university remains committed to fostering a respectful environment amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Kirk’s tragic death.
University of Mississippi Fires Employee Over Insensitive Resharing of Murder Comments
Oxford, Mississippi – An employee at the University of Mississippi has been dismissed after resharing what the university described as “hurtful, insensitive comments” regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing influencer. Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, during a public appearance at Utah Valley University.
The university confirmed the termination of the employee on Thursday, September 11. Although the university did not disclose the employee’s identity, State Auditor Shad White publicly identified her as Lauren Stokes, an executive assistant for the vice chancellor. Stokes reportedly reshared a post that labeled Kirk a “white supremacist and reimagined Klan member” and expressed indifference to the violence with no prayers or respectful remarks in response to the situation.
The university’s statement highlighted that such comments are inconsistent with its values of civility, fairness, and respect for dignity. Additionally, the institution extended its thoughts and prayers to Kirk’s family and to those in the campus community who were affected by the violence.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was known as the founder of Turning Point USA and was closely associated with prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor event during his “American Comeback Tour.” Following the incident, he was rushed to a hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
As of the article’s publication, no arrest had been made regarding the shooter, raising concerns across the nation. In response to Kirk’s death, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
The fallout from Stokes’ actions has been significant, as she faces severe backlash on social media. Calls have emerged for her to be “famous,” accompanied by negative reviews directed at her personal business, an Italian restaurant named Tarasque Cucina, located in Oxford, Mississippi. Following the incident, Stokes closed her Instagram account, and her restaurant’s Facebook page has disappeared, illustrating the intense scrutiny and controversy surrounding her statements.
University’s Commitment to Respectful Environment
In light of this incident, University Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce reiterated the institution’s commitment to fostering a civil and respectful environment on campus. The university has emphasized that it will not tolerate actions or comments that undermine this mission. The decision to terminate Stokes was part of a broader commitment to upholding the values that define the university’s ethos.
The university was scheduled to host Charlie Kirk for an event on October 29, 2023, further intensifying the relevance of the incident on campus. As the situation continues to unfold, the university and the broader community remain engaged in discussions about the implications of Stokes’ comments and the ongoing impact of Kirk’s tragic death.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Kirk’s murder bring to the forefront not only issues of political discourse but also the responsibilities that institutions hold in creating a respectful atmosphere for all members of their communities.
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Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
