Tennessee University Dean Fired After Saying She Had No Sympathy For Charlie Kirk
A senior administrator at Middle Tennessee State University was fired Wednesday after she mocked the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, saying she had “zero sympathy” for his death.
Laura Sosh-Lightsy, Associate Dean of Students, was removed from her post after posting what the university called “inappropriate and callous” remarks on social media. Screenshots shared by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) showed Sosh-Lightsy writing, “Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.”
Her remarks sparked outrage across Tennessee after being flagged by MTSU alumnus Matthew Hurtt, now a director at the Leadership Institute. In another post, Sosh-Lightsy wrote that she was “celebrating the loss of [Kirk’s] message of violence,” while insisting she was not celebrating his life being taken.
Assistant Dean of Students for my alma mater — Middle Tennessee State University — has some thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. pic.twitter.com/HN3HIPI24l
— Matthew Hurtt (@matthewhurtt) September 11, 2025
Kirk, 31, was gunned down Wednesday during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University, triggering a massive manhunt for the shooter. While tributes poured in across the country, left-wing activists flooded social media with comments mocking or cheering Kirk’s assassination.
MTSU President Sidney McPhee announced the firing in a statement, saying the dean’s behavior was completely incompatible with her responsibilities.
“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk,” McPhee said. “The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”
Sosh-Lightsy’s university profile was quickly scrubbed from the school’s website after her removal. According to her LinkedIn, she had worked at MTSU for over two decades, overseeing student conduct and behavioral intervention programs.
Her ouster followed mounting pressure from Tennessee Republicans. Senator Blackburn condemned her comments, writing: “Charlie Kirk was an inspiration for so many young people to speak up and work towards a better country, and nowhere was that more true than our college campuses. She should be fired tomorrow.”
State Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville), an MTSU alumnus, also demanded action. After the firing, he praised the university for moving swiftly.
“Thank you [President McPhee] for your leadership and decisive action,” Zachary wrote. “Our leaders in higher education must hold faculty accountable and ensure that our public institutions reflect Tennessee values. [MTSU] has led the way. Well done.”
The firing underscores growing scrutiny of left-wing voices in academia who openly celebrate political violence while working in positions of trust over America’s students.