Why is University of Kansas trending? Employee's Charlie Kirk post triggers backlash

The University of Kansas is trending on social media after an employee’s post related to Charlie Kirk landed them in controversy. A screenshot of the post, shared by a woman named Brianna Lichtenauer Wasser, has been going viral.

Although Brianna has deleted her LinkedIn account, she has been employed as an accessible print coordinator, as mentioned on the university website. She has not addressed anything related to the post until now. Notably, a glimpse of her words was posted by Libs of TikTok through X (formerly Twitter) on September 12, 2025, and it reads:

“I was just having this conversation with someone else. He’s better in the ground as worm food than up here practicing that murdered children are a necessary sacrifice for 2A rights.”

As per the Kansas City Star, a spokesperson for the institute, Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, reportedly responded to the ongoing situation through email. Erinn said that the university is well aware of the post that was allegedly shared by Brianna and added:

“The post was made not in their capacity as a KU employee, but rather as a private citizen - meaning there is no violation of any university policy.”

On the other hand, netizens have responded to the viral post on X, with a user questioning whether the University of Kansas maintains a social media code of conduct for all those working in the institute.

“Doesn’t the University of Kansas @UnivOfKansas have a social media code of conduct for employees? Why is this disturbed individual being given a pass?,” @Patootie2022 wrote on X.

A few users also requested to pull the funding of the University of Kansas.

“The University of Kansas (R+16 state) would rather keep on their *squint* “accessible print coordinator” than retain their funding. Anyhow, their funding should be cut off,” @martianwyrdlord said on X.

“If you donate, pull your funding. If you know people who donate, tell them to pull their funding. Call and email, tell your friends to call and email, contact Kansas representatives to put pressure on University of Kansas until they do the right thing. Don’t let them get away with this,” @jordylancaster commented.

Another user criticized the post and alleged that the institute was supporting political assassination.

“The University of Kansas supports political assassination,” @MoonbeamBoxer wrote.

Kansas Department of Education employee apologizes before being fired for commenting on Charlie Kirk

Katie Allen, who has been working for the Kansas Department of Education as a research analyst, is also creating headlines after she was fired for her comment on Charlie Kirk. The news was confirmed by the Manhattan Mercury on September 16, 2025.

Notably, Allen replied below a Facebook post which included a snap of Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika covering over the late political activist’s open casket. According to KWCH, Katie wrote “well deserved” in the comments section and later apologized for the same.

The Manhattan Mercury stated that Katie’s words led to a lot of criticism. However, the outlet obtained a statement from Allen on September 11, 2025, where she apologized by referring to those who felt “offended.” She clarified that her comments were not a portrayal of her real-life personality and added:

“Like many of you, I am deeply worried about the violence and discontent happening in America today and will continue to advocate for common sense laws that keep our kids a community safe. When I make a mistake, I own it and promise to do better.”

Charlie Kirk was shot dead a day before Katie Allen apologized. As of this writing, Allen has not addressed anything related to her firing on any platform.