Kevin Courtwright, a former landscape supervisor for Auburn University, is suing the school for firing him after he wrote, "One fascist down; a whole socio-political movement to go. FAFO nazi trash," on the day of Charlie Kirk's assassination. A student reported the post, prompting a university investigation that ultimately led to Courtwright's termination.
In his lawsuit, Courtwright's lawyers argue that he "used the terms' fascist' and 'nazi' to describe certain aspects of the political movement started by Charlie Kirk."
According to the lawsuit, filed October 21 in the Middle District of Alabama, Courtwright wrote his message while reposting one that originated on the page Guillotines For A Better America.
"So, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at one of his events. The man who said that school shootings were just something worth living with in order to keep the 2nd amendment, who leaned into every single culture war issue to push hate and division, and who was making absurd claims about trans people being mass shooters at the time he was [Redacted], is likely going to be used for some justification to crack down on something by this regime…but hell, no matter what, they were going to find a reason. Tots and Pears. I doubt Kirk even believed half the shit he was peddling, but there was money to be made and influence to be wielded so he ran with it anyway. These are about the nicest things I can say about this situation at this time."
Courtwright's termination letter from the university said that he violated Auburn University Employee Relations Policy 8.3.3, which includes:
- Intimidating or intentionally imposing on the rights and privileges of other employees;
- Engaging in grossly offensive, obscene, or immoral conduct;
- Any actions deemed by the University as constituting major misconduct.
The letter said, "After a thorough review of all relevant information, it has been determined that your actions are in direct violation of Auburn University's Personnel Policies and Procedures (Group I offenses). Group I violations include conduct regarded as major misconduct, behavior that is grossly offensive or immoral, and a gross disregard of obligations to the University."
His lawyers contend that his posts "sought to advance debate of political, social, and other ideas of interest to the community as a whole," and were protected by Courtwright's First Amendment right.
Courtwright is seeking damages, lawyer fees and reinstatement. He started working for Auburn in January 2022.
His wife works at the university and was interviewed as part of the investigation. In that interview, she was asked how her husband would respond if he saw a Turning Point USA table on campus. The campus has a growing TPUSA chapter.
That chapter is working with Turning Point USA to host an event at Auburn on November 5. According to their announcement, Eric Trump, Lara Trump, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Benny Johnson will be the featured guests.
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