Clemson University terminated an assistant professor and dismissed two other employees after a deluge of public pressure following social-media posts about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Internal emails obtained by The Chronicle show university leaders received hundreds of complaints from donors, alumni, parents and politicians and scrambled to respond within days. President James Clements initially emphasized First Amendment protections while condemning the remarks, but the institution later concluded a ‘‘thorough investigation’’ warranted termination and dismissals. The episode underscored how external political pressure and mass social-media mobilization can accelerate personnel decisions and test campus procedures for adjudicating alleged misconduct. Faculty governance groups and academic freedom advocates warned the Clemson case raises questions about due process and precedent, urging institutions to adopt clearer protocols for handling speech-related complaints tied to public events.