Identity of Speakers
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Laura Sosh-Lightsy
Faculty/Staff
OtherAssistant Dean at MTSU
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Social media
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Faculty sanctioned
State Campus Free Speech Act
Title IX or other federal statute
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) fired Assistant Dean Laura Sosh-Lightsy in September 2025 after she posted a comment on Facebook expressing “zero sympathy” for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The university described the remarks as “inappropriate and callous,” noting they were inconsistent with MTSU’s values and undermined trust with students, faculty, and staff. Sosh-Lightsy held a role directly connected to student conduct, and officials said her statements were incompatible with the professional responsibilities expected of her position.
Following the termination, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee released statements emphasizing the university’s commitment to free speech while noting the importance of professionalism in public service. He stated that the comments were particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of Kirk’s death, which had left many students and community members feeling unsettled and fearful. McPhee framed the firing as necessary to maintain trust and credibility in the university’s administration and student oversight functions.
The firing became part of a broader discussion on the role of social media conduct among public employees and faculty, occurring amid similar reactions at universities and institutions across the country following Kirk’s death.
