UCLA Dismisses Diversity Director Citing Policy Violations After Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
Los Angeles, Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Citing violations of violence prevention policies, UCLA terminated its diversity director for publicly celebrating an activist’s assassination, sparking a contentious legal battle over free speech limits in academia.
Institutional Neutrality and Employment Standards
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has formally parted ways with Johnathan Perkins, the institution’s Director of Race and Equity, following an internal investigation into his public reaction to the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. While Perkins’ last day on the university payroll was January 30, 2026, the termination was finalized via a letter delivered on Friday, February 6, 2026 [3][4]. The dismissal stems from comments Perkins posted on the social media platform Bluesky in September 2025, just days after Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah college campus [1][2]. In these posts, Perkins utilized language such as “Good riddance” and stated he was “always glad when bigots die,” remarks that university officials determined were incompatible with the responsibilities of a senior diversity officer [1][2].
Policy Violations and Legal Fallout
UCLA’s administration grounded its decision in specific violations of the university’s “workplace violence prevention” policies [1][2]. According to the termination letter, the posts in question “referenced or appeared to endorse violence or death” and contained “demeaning or generalized remarks about demographic groups” [1][2]. University officials emphasized that the nature of Perkins’ role required a high degree of trust and credibility, which they argued was significantly undermined by his conduct [2][3]. In response, Perkins has announced his intention to file a lawsuit against the university, alleging wrongful termination and a violation of his First Amendment rights [3][4]. He contends that the university’s disciplinary process was mishandled, noting that he was initially told his placement on paid leave was “not a punishment” [3].
The Economics of Academic Controversy
The termination carries immediate financial implications for Perkins, who earned an annual salary of $137,000 in his role as DEI director [1][3]. Facing the loss of this income and anticipating legal costs, Perkins has launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance his relocation to Philadelphia and his legal battle against the university [3][4]. As of Thursday, February 5, 2026, donors had contributed $10,000 toward his $25,000 goal, meaning he has secured 40% of his target funding [3][4]. Perkins has stated that the funds are necessary not only for litigation but also to support his four pets during the transition [4].