Overview: Johnathan Perkins, UCLA's former director of race and equity, says he was dismissed after posting controversial comments on Bluesky about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Perkins has linked a GoFundMe to cover expenses and says he will sue the university, alleging First Amendment violations. UCLA placed him on leave, opened an investigation, and emphasized that celebrating violence is unacceptable. Perkins told The Daily Bruin he does not "celebrate" the death but stands by his condemnation of Kirk.
UCLA Fires Director of Race and Equity After Controversial Charlie Kirk Posts; He Says He Will Sue
UCLA DEI director says he was fired over controversial Charlie Kirk posts: 'Glad when bigots die'
Johnathan Perkins, who served as the University of California, Los Angeles' director of race and equity, says he was fired after posting controversial comments on the social platform Bluesky in the wake of the shooting that killed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Perkins asserted on Bluesky: "UCLA just fired me because I wasn't sad Charlie Kirk died — a clear violation of my First Amendment rights." He linked to a GoFundMe campaign to cover living expenses and said he plans to sue UCLA, alleging the university violated his free-speech rights.
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025.
What Perkins Posted
According to screenshots and reporting, Perkins made several posts that drew immediate backlash, including a now-deleted message that appeared to suggest Kirk deserved his fate. Examples of the reported posts include:
"I'm always glad when bigots die, so."
"It is OKAY to be happy when someone who hated you and called for your people’s death dies — even if they are murdered."
"F--- Around and Find Out is really doing its thing, lately."
The posts also criticized Kirk's public comments about gun policy, with Perkins saying Kirk "made this bed; reaped what he sowed; chickens coming home to roost."
Janss Steps on the UCLA campus on Oct. 20, 2017. UCLA is a public university in the Los Angeles area.
UCLA Response and Status
UCLA initially placed Perkins on administrative leave after the posts circulated. In a Sept. 14 statement, the university said it had placed a campus employee on immediate leave and launched an investigation following reports of social-media posts related to the murder, adding that while free expression is a core UCLA value, celebration of violence is "completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated." The statement did not name Perkins.
A university spokesperson later noted that employees who receive a notice of intent to terminate are given an opportunity to respond before any final action is taken and declined further comment on personnel matters.
Early morning view of Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA, taken on an unknown date.
Perkins' Defense
Perkins told UCLA's student newspaper, The Daily Bruin, that he did not "celebrate" Kirk's death and reiterated his view that it is acceptable to feel no sadness when a person he described as a "horrible, horrible bigot" dies. His GoFundMe description says he is preparing legal action to defend his First Amendment rights while asking supporters to help "fight racism" and "stand up for free speech."
The situation remains fluid: Perkins says he was fired and plans to sue, while UCLA confirms an investigation and follows its personnel procedures.
Note: Reporting is based on Perkins' public posts, the university's statements, and Perkins' interview with The Daily Bruin. UCLA declined further comment to press outlets on personnel matters.
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