Ball State Employee faces Backlash After Facebook Post Following Charlie Kirk‘s Death
Muncie, IN – Suzanne Swierc, a ball State University employee, experienced a surge of harassment and threats after a private Facebook post expressing her disapproval of Charlie Kirk was publicly shared following his death on September 10th at Utah Valley University. The incident highlights the escalating tensions surrounding political discourse and the potential consequences of online expression.
The controversy began when Swierc posted on Facebook, “If you think Charlie Kirk was a marvelous person, we can’t be friends.” though her Facebook settings were private, a screenshot of the post was taken and disseminated widely online.Within 19 minutes,the post appeared on the X account of Libs of TikTok,a social media account known for its coverage of social and political issues. Elon Musk, Rudy Giuliani, and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita also shared or commented on the post, with Rokita labeling Swierc’s comments “vile” and questioning her suitability for a leadership position.
swierc subsequently received a barrage of threatening calls,texts,and voicemails. ”They were calling me all kinds of names, threatening my job,” she told The New York Times. “It was every awful curse word under the sun.” She immediatly alerted her supervisor, fearing for her employment.
The incident comes amid broader concerns about political polarization and the willingness of individuals to express strong opinions online. Some observers have noted a perceived disparity in tolerance for political expression, with claims that those on the left are more likely to endorse or support political violence. This case also underscores the increasingly blurred lines between private and public online spaces, as even private social media posts can quickly become public through screenshots and shares.
The situation raises questions about the boundaries of free speech, the responsibilities of social media platforms, and the potential repercussions for individuals who express controversial opinions online.
