south dakota art professor reinstated charlie kirk comments 1234755756
Tenured University of South Dakota art professor Michael Hook, who faced termination after making social media comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has dropped his lawsuit after being reinstated. Hook posted remarks on September 10 calling Kirk a "hate-spreading Nazi" and expressing indifference to his death, which sparked public outcry from South Dakota political leaders including Governor Larry Rhoden. The university placed Hook on administrative leave and moved to fire him on September 12, prompting Hook to sue the school and the South Dakota Board of Regents on September 23, citing First Amendment violations. After students organized a petition with nearly 22,000 signatures, USD president Sheila Gestring withdrew the termination on October 3, citing Hook's apology and employment record, leading Hook to dismiss the lawsuit as moot.
