Auburn, Alabama, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Candice Hale, a former educator, has filed a federal lawsuit against Auburn University and the University of Alabama claiming her First Amendment rights were violated when she was terminated for a social media post regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Despite being cleared of any threats to campus safety, Hale argues her dismissal infringed on her free speech. The universities’ actions raise significant concerns about the boundaries of personal expression and professional responsibilities in educational institutions.
Auburn, Alabama – Candice Hale, a former educator at Auburn University and the University of Alabama, has initiated a federal lawsuit against the leadership of both institutions, alleging violations of her First Amendment rights. The lawsuit comes after Hale claims she was terminated for expressing her views on social media concerning the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Hale argues that her dismissal from her teaching position infringed on her constitutional right to free speech, particularly regarding her expression of opinions on public matters such as the death of a political figure. Her Facebook post made on September 11 included controversial statements like “I do not mourn oppressors” and “I will not mourn the wicked.” This post was shared shortly after Kirk was shot at an event in Utah.
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts announced on September 17 the termination of certain employees for making what he described as “hurtful, insensitive” social media posts. However, he did not specify how many employees were affected or provide exact content of the posts involved.
Following her post, a behavioral threat assessment meeting was arranged involving Chris Hardman, the campus threat assessment coordinator, and Scott Forehand, the director of compliance. They assessed Hale to determine whether she posed any threat to campus safety. During the meeting, Hale was questioned about her interactions with students and her access to firearms, both of which she denied. Hardman and Forehand ultimately determined that Hale was not a threat to campus safety.
Despite this conclusion, just two days later, Tami Poe from human resources informed Hale that she was being placed on paid administrative leave and prohibited from contacting her students. During a subsequent meeting, Hale was told she could not have legal counsel present as her employment status was discussed. In that meeting, which included Jason Hicks, the dean of the college of liberal arts, Hale was informed her employment was being terminated, with a severance agreement offered.
Hale has since been banned from campus and has not returned to her position. The lawsuit names Roberts and other Auburn officials, as well as Clarence Stewart, the assistant vice president for campus safety and compliance. In addition to Auburn University, Hale is pursuing legal action against The University of Alabama for allegedly firing her under similar circumstances without proper investigation or due process. The University of Alabama reportedly cited a “loss of confidence” in her teaching ability without providing evidence regarding her work performance.
The legal actions taken by Hale raise important questions regarding the boundaries between personal and professional speech, especially in the context of public institutions. Hale is seeking damages for lost wages and emotional distress, and she is also requesting a jury trial to affirm that her First Amendment rights were indeed violated.
Background Context
This case underscores the challenges educators and public figures face when balancing personal expression and professional responsibilities. It reflects the increasing scrutiny of social media interactions and the potential repercussions individuals may face for expressing their opinions online. Hale’s experience highlights the need for clear policies that protect free speech while maintaining a safe educational environment in public institutions.
FAQ Section
What is the basis of Candice Hale’s lawsuit?
Candice Hale has filed a federal lawsuit against college leadership, claiming her termination violated her First Amendment rights following a controversial social media post regarding the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
What did Hale’s social media post entail?
Hale’s post included statements such as “I do not mourn oppressors” and “I will not mourn the wicked,” and was made on September 11, one day after Kirk was shot at an event at Utah Valley University.
What actions were taken against Hale following her post?
Hale was placed on paid administrative leave, prohibited from contacting her students, and later informed of her termination without the presence of legal counsel during her meeting regarding her employment status.
Who is named in Hale’s lawsuits?
The lawsuits name Auburn University President Christopher Roberts, other university employees, and Clarence Stewart, the assistant vice president of campus safety and compliance, as well as The University of Alabama.
What is Hale seeking from the lawsuit?
Hale seeks damages for lost wages and emotional distress, along with a jury trial to affirm that her First Amendment rights were violated.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Candice Hale, former educator |
| Universities Listed | Auburn University, University of Alabama |
| Violation Claimed | First Amendment rights violation |
| Social Media Post Date | September 11 |
| Initial Reaction from University | Termination of employees for “hurtful, insensitive” posts |
| Assessment Result | Hale determined not a threat to campus safety |
| Legal Action Type | Federal lawsuit for damages and jury trial |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Alabama Reflector: Former Auburn University Instructor Sues School Over Firing
- ABC 3340: Lawsuit Challenges Auburn University Firing
- WVTM 13: Auburn University Professor Lawsuit
- AL.com: Former Alabama College Instructor Sues
- Wiregrass Daily News: Former Auburn Professor Sues Over Firing
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Amendment
- Google Search: Candice Hale Auburn University
- Google News: Auburn University Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: First Amendment Rights Lawsuits
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