SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Students at the University of South Dakota have started an online petition to reinstate art professor Michael Hook.
A social media post by the USD professor stating his opinion on Charlie Kirk’s death sparked outrage from SD Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and Governor Larry Rhoden.
Hansen shared Hook’s post on his X account, calling for Hook to be fired for the statement. Rhoden joined in, sharing a copy of Hook’s post on the governor’s X account, saying he was “shaking mad” when he read it.
Rhoden said that after learning the Board of Regents intended to terminate Hook, he was “glad” that Hook would be fired.
Hook was placed under administrative leave by the BOR. A statement from the BOR says that the intent to terminate follows SDBOR policy 4.4.8.
Now a petition has started up to reinstate Hook. According to the petition started by USD student Percy Goeden, many students at USD are distraught after learning about the recent situation, saying that professor Hook made a huge impact on students of all majors.
“He always made sure to get to know his students, caring deeply about what they needed to improve on and what their strengths were,” was written in the petition description.
The petition argues that this action is an encroachment of freedom of speech.
The petition writes, “Professor Michael Hook was punished for exercising the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. This gives our campus the idea that we are not allowed to use our right to the Freedom of Speech.”
Hook is not the only one facing termination over social media posts. Teachers, firefighters, and elected officials across the country have lost their jobs after commenting on Charlie Kirk’s death.
