Middle Tennessee State University has fired Assistant Dean of Students Laura Sosh-Lightsy following comments she made on social media regarding the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Sosh-Lightsy most recently held a leadership role in the Office of Student Care and Conduct, where she oversaw student disciplinary cases and enforcement of university conduct rules.
On her personal Facebook page, Sosh-Lightsy wrote that Kirk “spoke his fate into existence” and that she felt no sympathy. She added, “you get back what you put into the world tenfold.” After backlash grew, she later clarified that her posts reflected her personal views and “do not reflect the ideologies of [her] employer.”
The remarks quickly drew criticism, with many taking to X to voice concerns about her role at the university. U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn also weighed in, saying Sosh-Lightsy should be removed from her position.
This person should be ashamed of her post. She should be removed from her position at @MTSU. https://t.co/IxvPUn6qvQ
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) September 11, 2025
MTSU President Sidney McPhee released a statement Thursday addressing the decision, calling it a “tremendous disappointment” but emphasizing the importance of trust between university employees and the community they serve.
“It was a tremendous disappointment to have to take this step. We take great pride in the professionalism of our staff; in my long tenure with this university I’ve never before had to dismiss someone for so carelessly undermining the work and mission of this fine institution,” the statement read.
The university noted its recognition as one of the top 15 universities in the nation for commitment to free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights, but stressed that employees must balance expression with professional responsibility.
“This is the time when we count on our staff to be thoughtful, supportive and even-keeled. The best antidote for stress is caring. Imagine our shock, then, when we learned that an employee had posted callous and insensitive comments on Facebook to an audience that certainly knows of her role at MTSU,” the statement continued.
McPhee concluded that Sosh-Lightsy’s comments made her “ineligible to work with students on their conduct” and that the action had “badly disrupted and undermined” the institution.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Sosh-Lightsy had been employed by MTSU since 2004.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA and a nationally known political commentator. His death has sparked reactions across the country, with both supporters and critics weighing in on his legacy and the climate of political violence.
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