The University of Florida has rescinded the emeritus status of a retired law professor, Jeffrey Harrison, following a controversial Facebook post he made regarding the recent death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and former President Donald Trump. The university's decision, announced on Friday, September 20, 2025, has drawn significant attention to the issue of free speech and conduct for faculty members, even in retirement.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Florida revoked the honorary "emeritus" title from retired law professor Jeffrey Harrison.
- The action was a direct response to a public Facebook post in which Harrison expressed a wish for the death of Donald Trump.
- Harrison's post also compared Charlie Kirk to members of the Gestapo and concentration camp guards.
- This incident is part of a wider trend of increased scrutiny on educators' social media activity in Florida.
Details of the Controversial Post
The controversy began on the evening of Charlie Kirk's death when Jeffrey Harrison published a post on his public Facebook profile. The message addressed the commentary surrounding Kirk's passing and included inflammatory statements about both Kirk and former President Donald Trump.
"There is a lot of commentary about Charlie Kirk. It’s not that complicated. He was a evil person spounting [sic] all kinds of hateful messages. I did not want him to die. I reserve that wish for Trump. But let’s face it, even members of the Gestapo and guards at the concentration camps had children. That does not make them heros [sic], nor does it make Charlie Kirk someone to be admired."
The post quickly gained traction online after being shared on other social media platforms. Conservative activist Scott Presler, who has a large following on X (formerly Twitter), called for the university to sever all ties with Harrison, amplifying the public backlash.
In a subsequent post, Harrison acknowledged the negative reaction, attributing it to his post being shared on X. "I am getting a lot of hateful commentary about a recent post in which I did not want Charlie Kirk to die but it would be fine with me if Trump did," he wrote. Both of Harrison's posts and his Facebook profile were no longer publicly accessible shortly after the incident gained media attention.
University of Florida's Response
The University of Florida acted swiftly. On Friday, the university released a statement on its social media channels announcing that it had revoked the emeritus status of a retired faculty member due to a concerning social media post. While the initial statement did not name the individual, The Gainesville Sun later confirmed it was Jeffrey Harrison.
Following the decision, Harrison's name was removed from the Levin College of Law's official list of emeritus faculty. This action effectively strips him of the privileges associated with the honorary title.
What is Emeritus Status at UF?
According to University of Florida regulations, the "emeritus" title is a significant honor conferred upon retired faculty in recognition of "meritorious service." It is not merely a title but comes with tangible benefits, including:
- Continued parking privileges on campus
- Use of university libraries and recreational facilities
- Admission to athletic and cultural events
- Receipt of university publications
- Eligibility to participate in contracts and grants
The revocation of these privileges marks a serious and public rebuke from the institution where Harrison had a long career. It underscores the university's position that certain public statements are incompatible with the honor of the emeritus title.
A Broader Context of Scrutiny in Florida
This incident at the University of Florida is not an isolated event. It occurs within a climate of heightened scrutiny of educators' speech and conduct across the state's public education system. Recently, high-ranking state officials have issued clear warnings about accountability.
State Officials Warn Educators
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues have both publicly promised to hold accountable any educators who are perceived as "celebrating or excusing campus violence." These warnings have set a tone of low tolerance for controversial or inflammatory remarks by employees of state educational institutions.
Other major universities in Florida have also been in the spotlight for similar issues. Florida Atlantic University and the University of Miami have recently dealt with public and media attention regarding social media posts made by their own professors in the wake of Kirk's death.
The scrutiny extends beyond higher education. Numerous K-12 teachers are also reportedly under investigation for their online and classroom conduct. According to Miami-Dade public schools, the district is actively investigating five separate allegations against its employees for inappropriate behavior related to the event. This statewide pattern suggests a more aggressive enforcement of conduct policies for educators at all levels.
Professor Harrison's History and Public Debate
Jeffrey Harrison has previously been a public critic of Florida's political leadership and its influence on the university system. In a 2022 guest column for The Gainesville Sun, he accused University of Florida administrators of having "cowered" to Governor Ron DeSantis. This history adds another layer to the current situation, placing it at the intersection of academic freedom, institutional politics, and public employee speech.
The university's decision has ignited a debate about the limits of free speech for academics, particularly those who hold an honorary title from a public institution. While some support the university's action as a necessary response to unprofessional and offensive language, others argue it represents an overreach that chills free expression, even for retired faculty. The case highlights the ongoing tension between an individual's right to personal expression and an institution's interest in protecting its reputation and upholding a standard of conduct for those who represent it.
