American colleges and universities are increasingly firing or punishing professors and other employees for what they say, whether it’s on social media or in the classroom. After the Sept. 10, 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, several universities, including Iowa State University, Clemson University, Ball State University and others, fired or suspended employees for making negative online comments about Kirk. Some of these dismissed professors compared Kirk to a Nazi, described his views as hateful, or said there was no reason to be sorry about his death. Some professors are now suing their employers for taking disciplinary action against...