A Clemson University professor is under fire after allegedly mocking the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The professor, identified as Melvin Earl Villaver Jr., deleted or locked down all of his social media accounts following backlash over posts that appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death. The incident raises serious concerns about the politicization of higher education and the moral collapse inside America’s universities.
Villaver is an assistant professor in Clemson’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, with specializations in global Black studies and audio technology. Following news of Kirk’s murder on September 10, Villaver reportedly reposted and authored several inflammatory messages on X (formerly Twitter). These included, “no one mourns the wicked,” “keep the jokes coming. It’s what he would’ve wanted,” and another that read, “Charlie Kirk recently said to a Palestinian that there’s no such thing as Palestinians. Well now look… there’s no longer such a thing called Charlie Kirk.”
By September 12, Villaver’s public profiles had been locked or removed across X, Instagram, and Facebook. Screenshots of the posts circulated widely, prompting swift outrage from conservative commentators and concern among alumni and donors. The professor’s Clemson bio emphasized his academic interest in “Blues Epistemology” and his blending of music and activism.
Clemson University has not yet issued a public statement about the incident. It is unclear whether any formal disciplinary action has been initiated. The professor’s comments appear to fall under academic freedom protections, but public celebration of a political opponent’s death raises both ethical and reputational questions for the university.
Kirk, a vocal conservative and Christian advocate, was known for speaking boldly on college campuses and challenging progressive ideology. His murder shocked supporters and further intensified scrutiny on political violence in America.
