Montana State University-Northern: Administration Investigates Professor for Posts About Charlie Kirk
Cases
Montana State University
Case Overview
FIRE Victory
On September 11, 2025, Montana State University-Northern placed Professor Samantha Balemba-Brownlee on leave pending an investigation for her Facebook comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. On September 17, ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ wrote to MSUN, explaining that Balemba-Brownlee has the First Amendment right to comment on matters of public concern in her individual capacity. We urged MSUN to end its investigation into Balemba-Brownlee and restore her to her position. On November 10, MSUN informed Balemba-Brownlee that she was free to return to campus and would return to full classroom responsibilities in the spring semester.