The University of Washington is reviewing social media comments by researcher Mara Maughan after a Facebook reply that critics say invoked the name of a suspect charged in an alleged attack on a conservative activist. Maughan is listed as RSE1 in the Department of Microbiology and uses she/they pronouns. UW says it "denounces violence" and is conducting a detailed review of the facts, policy and law; critics including Corey DeAngelis and Accuracy in Media are calling for stronger disciplinary action.
University of Washington Investigates Researcher After Social Post Appears to Invoke Suspect in Alleged Attack on Conservative Voices
Tyler Robinson, left, is the suspect in the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, right.
The University of Washington has opened a review after social media comments attributed to researcher Mara Maughan prompted criticism for appearing to invoke a suspect charged in an alleged attack on a conservative activist. Maughan is listed as an RSE1 in the Department of Microbiology’s research and lab staff and uses she/they pronouns on the UW Fuller Labs profile.
What Was Posted
In a Facebook reply to Educational Freedom Institute Executive Director Corey DeAngelis, Maughan wrote, "May there be tyler robinsons for you all," a line critics interpret as referencing Tyler Robinson, who is charged in the alleged assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. DeAngelis had shared a clip of a Washington state Democratic lawmaker with a caption questioning whether the lawmaker would acknowledge biological differences between men and women; the exchange prompted public backlash.
The University of Washington is investigating microbiology researcher Mara Maughan, an RSE1 staff member, after social media comments were interpreted as endorsing violence against conservative figures, prompting criticism and calls for disciplinary action.
Responses And Reactions
Corey DeAngelis: "This kind of violent rhetoric from Mara Maughan and far too many others on the left — wishing for assassins to target conservatives like me and my family — absolutely concerns me, as it not only normalizes political violence but fuels a dangerous environment where radical ideologies in academia and beyond threaten our freedoms and safety without accountability."
Adam Guillette, president of Accuracy in Media, said the comments were consistent with what his organization has observed at the university and called for stronger institutional action.
University Statement And Next Steps
UW Spokesperson: "UW Medicine denounces violence against all people and takes seriously the concerns reported to us regarding this matter. We are reviewing the specifics of this situation — including a detailed review of the facts, university policy and the law — and will determine next steps."
DeAngelis said the university's response was insufficient and urged meaningful disciplinary action if the review substantiates the allegations.
The controversy has intensified broader scrutiny of the university, with outside advocacy groups accusing UW of tolerating radical rhetoric on campus and urging federal authorities to take action.
Additional Context
Maughan holds a union-based appointment at the university. Public salary-estimate listings such as Glassdoor place comparable researcher positions in the school’s immunology area at roughly $4,000 to $5,000 per month, with benefits. The UW Department of Microbiology’s website also lists office space for Maughan.
In a separate, earlier Facebook comment unrelated to the exchange with DeAngelis, the researcher wrote: "Being an autistic trans vaccine scientist[right now] has turned me into the joker," a post in which Maughan appears to reference being transgender and autistic.
Ongoing Review
The university's review is ongoing. Officials say they will examine the facts, relevant policies and applicable law before determining any disciplinary or other actions. The episode has drawn attention from advocacy groups and commentators concerned about rhetoric and safety on campus.
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