The Director for Race and Equity at UCLA caused controversy after expressing enthusiasm over the murder of Charlie Kirk, stating that it was “okay to be happy.” He referred to himself as a victim who felt “publicly saddened” by the demise of a white nationalist.
Professor Jonathan Perkins from the university’s Day Office shared a troubling message soon after the conservative activist, aged 31, was shot at Utah Valley University last week.
“It’s acceptable to feel joy when someone who despises you and disparages the death of your community dies, even if killed; it’s okay to be happy,” Perkins wrote on social media.
He added, “You cannot force us to mourn anyone who harbors hatred towards us, no matter the circumstances of their death.” When others compared Kirk to Rush Limbaugh in terms of their political alignment, Perkins responded, “doing good things for both.”
In a further comment, he appeared to question why there was discontent about Kirk’s death.
UCLA representatives announced that some “campus employees” were placed on leave and that an investigation into the social media comments regarding Kirk had started.
While acknowledging that free expression is a fundamental value at UCLA, the statement emphasized that all forms of violence are completely unacceptable.
Perkins later stated that his feelings about Kirk’s death were protected under the First Amendment.
“It’s a truly sad day. I feel my existence is threatened just for expressing that I felt no sadness over a white nationalist’s death,” Perkins explained, sharing his thoughts with the press.
He mentioned his dismay over the potential repercussions faced by colleagues in higher education across the country and expressed a belief that UCLA would be different.
Since joining UCLA in 2019, Perkins had co-hosted a podcast titled “Black &.”
A spokesperson for UCLA chose not to provide additional comments on the matter.
