2 Syracuse University faculty involved in controversial Charlie Kirk social media posts ‘currently on leave’
Two professors who posted in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, as cited by The New York Post and United States Representative Claudia Tenney, are currently on leave. Nate Harnedy | Contributing Photographer
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UPDATE: This post was updated at 9:03 a.m. on September 18, 2025.
Two professors who made controversial comments in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, as cited by The New York Post and United States Representative Claudia Tenney, are currently on leave, The Daily Orange reported Wednesday.
Jenn M. Jackson, an assistant professor in the Political Science department, and a professor in the Geography and the Environment department, both posted remarks on BlueSky on Sept. 11, the day after Kirk’s death. The second professor’s BlueSky account has since been deactivated.
Jackson is currently on pre-approved medical leave, they told The Daily Orange. When The D.O. attempted to contact the other professor for comment, an automatic reply stated, “I am unavailable” and referred the sender to their department.
In an updated Thursday statement to The Daily Orange, a university spokesperson said they did not identify the two faculty members who are on leave.
“Out of respect for employee privacy and in line with University policy, we do not disclose the nature of an individual’s leave or their identity in public statements,” the spokesperson wrote Thursday.
When The D.O. asked about the status of the two professors Wednesday, the university indicated its awareness of the situation in a statement to The D.O.
“We are aware of the social media activity, and two faculty members are currently on leave,” a university spokesperson wrote in a statement to The D.O. “The University is treating this matter with utmost seriousness and will remain fully compliant with the law.”
CLARIFICATION: A previous headline on this article said “after controversial Charlie Kirk social media posts.” This does not apply to both professors, after more information was provided to The D.O. by Jackson.
This story is developing and will be updated with further reporting.
