Bellarmine University professor suspended for ‘offensive’ social media post is no longer employed | Education

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WDRB) — A Bellarmine University professor who was suspended Monday following a controversial social media post is no longer employed by the university.

A spokesman confirmed Tuesday that the instructor was “no longer an employee of Bellarmine,” but did not elaborate.

The university also confirmed the update in a post on X.

Instructor John James was suspended without pay on Monday after making a social media post over the weekend.

The post read, “If you’re going to shoot, man, don’t miss,” and included a screenshot of an article about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump over the weekend.

WDRB News contacted the university after being asked several times about the position on Monday.

A school spokesperson issued the following statement:

“Words and actions that condone violence are unacceptable and contradict our values, which demand respect for the inherent worth and dignity of each individual. We strive to create an inclusive community that welcomes all and exemplifies a spirit of goodwill. We are aware of an offensive and unacceptable social media post made by an employee over the weekend. This individual was immediately placed on unpaid leave.”

The former president was apparently the target of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

A volley of gunfire sparked panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he had been shot in the ear, was surrounded by the Secret Service and rushed to his SUV while raising his fist in a show of defiance.

Trump’s campaign team said the likely Republican nominee was “doing well” after the shooting, in which his right ear was pierced.

The FBI identified the shooter early Sunday as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The agency said the investigation is still ongoing.

Secret Service agents shot and killed Crooks, who attacked from an elevated position outside the venue of an agricultural show in Butler, Pennsylvania, the agency said.

One visitor was killed and two spectators were seriously injured, authorities said. All of them were men.

Trump called for unity and resilience on Sunday after the attempt on his life brought new uncertainty to an already turbulent presidential campaign, while President Joe Biden implored Americans to “hold their nerve” in the home stretch and “settle our differences at the ballot box.”

The former president arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday evening for the Republican National Convention, which begins on Monday.

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