Instructor Returns After Controversial Comments

A lecturer from the University of California has resumed teaching after being placed on paid leave due to her remarks, “I wish he had killed me,” made shortly after Charlie Kirk’s shooting last year.

Bari Brennan, who teaches communication at Fresno State University, was back in her classroom on Tuesday, which marked her second day of the spring semester. “The class went well, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the semester,” she mentioned.

Fresno State has not provided additional comments regarding Brennan’s situation, only confirming her enrollment in classes this semester.

Brennan was recorded expressing her views on Kirk’s condition shortly after he was shot but before he was declared dead. “You want to know what I think? Too bad he’s not dead,” she stated, disclosing her political opinions without his identity. The remarks were made during what was described as an informal private conversation.

Kirk was shot at an event in Utah Valley University and was pronounced dead later that day. Student Lara Habib noted that the incident created discomfort in the classroom atmosphere, leading to awkwardness among peers.

Following her comments, Fresno State issued a strong condemnation, stating that it was aware of a video showing the remarks and had initiated an investigation. The university emphasized that any language endorsing violence is against its values.

After the university’s response, Brennan was placed on administrative leave. Reports indicate that her contract extends until May 2027. Upon her return, she immediately revised her syllabus to ban electronic recording devices. She expressed regret for the incident, saying her words were merely opinions but acknowledged that they could be considered offensive.

Brennan also criticized the student who recorded her without consent, asserting that it compromised the integrity of the educational environment. She noted, “While I acknowledge that my words did not represent my best self, what that student did to the integrity of my classroom experience is far more egregious.”