Lt. Gov. Backs Ball State Firing Over Kirk Post
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s lieutenant governor is defending Ball State University’s decision to fire an employee over a controversial post about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, calling it “absolutely the best thing we can be doing at the state to protect our children.”
Micah Beckwith says educators must be held to a higher standard, especially when shaping the next generation. “When you’re an educator or somebody who is tasked with training up the next generation, you have to live up to a higher standard.”
“You have to be above reproach. It’s disgusting. They’ve been celebrating Charlie Kirk’s murder. They’ve been saying, ‘Oh, he deserved it,’ or, ‘He had it coming,” he added.
A part of Suzanne Swierc’s social media post said, “Let me be clear: if you think Charlie Kirk was a wonderful person, we can’t be friends,” and added that “Charlie Kirk’s death is a reflection of the violence, fear and hatred he sowed.”
Beckwith, who also serves as a pastor, said public figures must be accountable for their words. “I think there’s freedom of speech, but there are also consequences to your speech,” he said. “If you’re in a position of influence, you need to hold yourself to a higher standard—just like I do as a pastor. And if I said something inappropriate, my church would rightly fire me.”
He also voiced strong support for Attorney General Todd Rokita’s call to report educators who make similar remarks through the state’s Eyes on Education portal. “I love what he’s doing,” Beckwith said. “He’s holding people accountable. Again, it is not about your right to free speech—it’s about us wanting to know who these people are. The right move. Absolutely.”
Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at a college event in Utah. Beckwith, a longtime supporter, says the loss is deeply personal. “Charlie died for the truth of heaven. He loved the Lord Jesus as his Lord and Savior,” he said. “They crucified Him first. They stoned Him because He was speaking the things of heaven. We’re going to see this until Jesus returns, unfortunately.”
Despite the tragedy, Beckwith believes Kirk’s death is already stirring spiritual reflection. “What this has done is sparked a question in the hearts of people all over the world: ‘What did Charlie Kirk die for?’” he said. “People are starting to come to know the Lord through this, and I think this is going to lead to a huge revival in America.”
