A public outcry is growing after Matthew Goldman, a professor with appointments at both University of California, Irvine and Chapman University, posted a social media comment that appeared to joke about the assassination of independent journalist Nick Shirley. The message, posted on September 10, 2026, referenced Shirley’s upcoming Harvard speech and the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination — a campus killing that shocked the nation earlier this year. In response, concerned citizens and advocates have called on the universities to immediately review Goldman’s employment and consider termination.
Controversial Social Media Post Sparks Backlash
Goldman’s post, reading “Someone can do the funniest thing just before the Kirkiversary,” was widely interpreted as a call for violence against Shirley. The phrase “Kirkiversary” refers to the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which occurred on a college campus in early 2026. The timing of Goldman’s message, posted in the same week as the anniversary, heightened concerns that it was a veiled threat. Critics argue that joking about the murder of a public figure crosses a line from protected speech into incitement or endorsement of violence.
Calls for Immediate University Action
Jenny Rae Le Roux, a prominent advocate and writer, sent formal letters to Chancellor Howard Gillman of UC Irvine and President Matthew Parlow of Chapman University demanding Goldman’s immediate dismissal. She emphasized that the request is not about punishing political opinions or criticism but about addressing a comment that trivializes political violence. Le Roux urged the institutions to consider the impact on students, families, donors, and taxpayers who support these public and private universities.
Le Roux’s letter specifically highlighted Goldman’s role teaching courses on protest movements and campus activism, subjects that require trust and a clear boundary against endorsing violence. She argued that a faculty member making such a statement undermines the safety and educational environment the universities must maintain.
Universities Face Pressure Balancing Academic Freedom and Safety
Both UC Irvine and Chapman University now face a delicate situation: protecting academic freedom while addressing statements that many see as threatening. Academic freedom protects faculty rights to express sharp, even controversial, political opinions. However, it does not extend to public jokes about assassinations, especially from employees charged with student safety and education. This distinction has been a focal point in Le Roux’s demand for accountability.
University officials have yet to issue a public response as of September 11, 2026, but the letter requests a formal statement within one week outlining their intended course of action. The situation also raises concerns about campus climate and the example set for students regarding civility and respect in political discourse.
Implications for Campus Climate and Public Trust
This incident underscores the broader national conversation over political discourse on college campuses amid heightened tensions following several violent incidents in recent years. The assassination of Charlie Kirk earlier this year shocked many and has made institutions more sensitive to speech that could incite or normalize violence…