A USD professor who was placed on leave over a social media post critical of Charlie Kirk is suing several university and state officials.
Michael Hook filed a lawsuit Tuesday to stop his firing, arguing his post was protected free speech under the First Amendment.
Hook is a tenured art professor at USD, where he has been employed since 2006. After conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot, Hook posted on Facebook calling Kirk a “hate-spreading Nazi.” Hook also asked where Kirk's supporters concerns were following other recent killings, including school shootings and the shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers. He deleted the post several hours later and apologized.
Some state leaders, including Gov. Larry Rhoden and House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate John Hansen, criticized Hook's post.
Within days of the post, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced intent to fire Hook.
Now, Hook is seeking a restraining order and injunction to prevent his termination. The lawsuit names three defendants, including Board of Regents President Tim Rave, USD President Sheila Gestring, and Dean of the USD College of Fine Arts Bruce Kelley.
The lawsuit claims the policy the Board of Regents cited in his pending termination is vague and unconstitutional, and that his firing will have a chilling effect on free speech in the state. It also claims state leaders like Hansen pressured the university to fire Hook.
The Board of Regents is not commenting on the lawsuit citing pending litigation, according to a spokesperson.