Florida Atlantic University reinstated two professors placed on administrative leave over social-media comments tied to the death of activist Charlie Kirk after an internal investigator found their speech was protected by the First Amendment. Alan Lawson concluded that the posts, though provocative, were personal statements on public matters and recommended reinstatement for Rebel Cole and Karen Leader; Kate Polak remains on leave pending further review. The case follows waves of faculty suspensions and firings nationwide tied to political speech and has prompted litigation and faculty-senate scrutiny. FAU hired a former state supreme court justice to review actions, and the investigator balanced free-speech protections with institutional concerns about civility and safety. Universities under political pressure will likely face more contested disciplinary cases; institutions should document investigatory procedures, preserve academic-freedom protections, and prepare legal defenses where speech meets public concern.