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.
This case matters because it tests the boundaries of academic freedom and First Amendment protections for public university faculty when they express controversial political opinions on social media. Hook's reinstatement reinforces that public institutions cannot punish employees for speech about public issues, even when that speech is widely condemned. The incident also reflects a broader national trend of educators facing discipline for online comments about high-profile political figures, with similar lawsuits filed by teachers in Iowa, South Carolina, and Indiana. The outcome sets a precedent for how universities balance free expression with institutional reputation and public trust.