Middle Tennessee State dean fired after saying she has ‘ZERO sympathy’ for Charlie Kirk’s death

Middle Tennessee State University fired its assistant dean for student care and conduct after comments she made following the assassination of Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk.

“Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence,” Laura Sosh-Lightsy wrote on Facebook. “Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.”

The university soon after reportedly fired Sosh-Lightsy following public outrage, including from Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn. Sosh-Lightsy did not respond to a media inquiry Thursday morning sent to her school email address.

“This person should be ashamed of her post,” Sen. Blackburn wrote on X. “She should be removed from her position at [MTSU].”

On Wednesday night President Sidney McPhee condemned the post.

“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk,” the statement read.

“The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large,” the president stated. “This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”

The post attracted widespread attention from politicians and social media influencers, like LibsofTikTok.

State Representative Jason Zachary also criticized the post. “I’m disgusted,” the MTSU alum wrote on X.

“A person who has so little regard for basic decency, the value of life and then lacks the common [sense] to not post such vile, should NOT be in leadership at one of our universities,” Zachary wrote. “If you are a parent or student @MTSU, I encourage you to contact the school tomorrow requesting immediate action be taken. This person should not be employed in higher education in TN.”

The university has also removed the former dean’s information from its website. The College Fix could see her profile at one point Thursday morning but then it disappeared soon after.

Sosh-Lightsy had “over two decades of experience in student development, specializing in student conduct and support systems,” according to an archive of the school’s website. “Prior to becoming a Blue Raider, Laura honed her skills at Texas A&M University and Western Kentucky University, where she developed a passion for guiding students through their college journey.”

Kirk died Wednesday afternoon after being assassinated by a yet-to-be identified gunman at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He leaves behind a wife and two kids.

State and federal law enforcement are currently searching for the gunman after arresting and releasing at least two suspects so far.

The assassination drew widespread, bipartisan condemnation.

“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, said during a news conference on Wednesday. “I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination.”

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom expressed similar outrage. Newsom hosted Kirk on his new podcast several months ago and shared that his son is a big fan of the conservative activist.

“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate,” Newsom stated in a news release from the governor’s office. “His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.”

“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse,” Newsom stated.

He also said “disagreement makes us stronger” while “violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.”