EDMONTON — The repercussions of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk's murder continue to reverberate throughout Canada, prompting universities and media outlets to respond to the heightened tensions. The University of Alberta announced it has placed a law professor on non-disciplinary leave due to disturbing online comments linked to the shooting that occurred on September 10 at Utah Valley University.
The Edmonton-based university confirmed in an official statement that while the identity of the professor has not been disclosed, they will remain on leave during the ongoing review. University spokesman Michael Brown emphasized the institution's commitment to safety in light of the violent nature of Kirk's death and subsequent threats directed at community members. Additional security measures have been implemented as a precaution.
The University of Alberta joins a growing list of Canadian post-secondary institutions that have taken similar actions. Last week, the University of Toronto announced the suspension of a religion and political science professor who had shared concerning reactions to Kirk's killing, highlighting the broader impact of this incident on the academic environment.
Moreover, the repercussions of Kirk's death have also reached students in Ontario. The Ottawa Police Department reported that charges have been filed against an individual for alleged threats made to a local high school in response to comments made by a staff member regarding Kirk. Likewise, a public school in Toronto's Scarborough area temporarily suspended its principal after a violent video related to Kirk's assassination was shown to students.
The media landscape has also been affected, with Citytv announcing an adjustment to its late-night programming. Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show has been replaced with repeats of “Hudson & Rex” following ABC's indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to the comedian's comments concerning Kirk’s death.
This suspension has sparked calls for a boycott of both ABC and its parent company, Disney Plus, among supporters of Kirk. In addition, vigils have been held across the Canadian Prairies, including at the Saskatchewan and Manitoba legislature grounds, as an expression of mourning. The country music singer Morgan Wallen also paid tribute to Kirk during his concerts in Edmonton over the past weekend.
Within Manitoba's legislature, political tensions have risen as a cabinet minister faced criticism after she shared a social media message suggesting that sympathies should only extend to Kirk's family, challenging his polarizing status. Although the minister issued an apology, calls for her resignation persist.
James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, suggests the ripple effects felt across Canada can be attributed to the resonance of Kirk's views with certain segments of the Canadian populace. He stated that the debates surrounding Kirk's murder have unfolded not only online but also in personal discussions, indicating the strong influence he wielded prior to his death.
Turk noted the political climate in the U.S. has exacerbated the situation, highlighting former President Donald Trump's immediate association of the attack on Kirk with "the radical left," and his subsequent approval of Kimmel’s show suspension. He contrasted this with historical responses to previous notable assassinations, underscoring the potential for increased societal division. Turk's remarks suggest that such rhetoric from political leaders is unprecedented and raises concerns about the implications for democratic discourse.
Overall, the situation surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination is indicative of larger societal tensions that have implications extending beyond the United States and into Canada, revealing how deeply political and ideological divisions can impact communities and institutions alike.
