Ontario premier calls comment on X 'disgusting'
A University of Toronto professor has been placed on leave after making a controversial comment on social media in the aftermath of the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The university confirmed that Ruth Marshall, an associate professor of religious studies and political science, is currently not on campus while the matter is under review.
Kirk was fatally shot while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Shortly after the news of the assassination broke, Marshall posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Shooting is honestly too good for so many of you fascist c–ts.” The post, which appeared at 5:40 p.m. ET, was later deleted.
The university responded with a written statement: “The university took immediate action upon learning of the concerning social media posts of a University of Toronto professor. The faculty member is now on leave and not on campus. The matter is being looked into and the university will not be commenting further,” according to media reports.
‘Violent rhetoric’ online
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned Marshall’s comment, telling the Toronto Sun: “That is disgusting. Sick people.”
Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn, also criticized the post, stating on X: “Universities and their professors are supposed to foster critical thought, respectful debate, and be safe learning environments — and this professor’s violent rhetoric flagrantly flies in the face of that. I’ve been clear with the University of Toronto: they need to act.”
Universities and their professors are supposed to foster critical thought, respectful debate, and be safe learning environments - and this professor's violent rhetoric flagrantly flies in the face of that.
— Nolan Quinn (@nolanmquinn) September 11, 2025
I've been clear with the University of Toronto: they need to act.…
Marshall has not responded to interview requests. She later posted on X that her earlier comment was not related to Kirk’s assassination and described it as an expression “referring to the vile and abject character of the person, not an act of killing,” according to the Financial Post.
U of T social media guidelines
There are inherent reputational risks when people make controversial statements, and employers need to keep on top of it, said Cameron Wardell, partner at Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark in Vancouver, in talking to Canadian HR Reporter.
“Problematic posts could range from criticism of customers or clients, posts reflecting poorly on the employer’s operations or practices, posts including confidential information about an employer or other employees or other offensive material that reflects poorly on an employer, including posts of offensive beliefs or activities and involvement with hateful or groups or illegal activities.”
At this time, the University of Toronto has not indicated whether Marshall’s leave is a suspension or if further disciplinary measures will be taken. The university has stated that it will not comment further while the matter is under review, said the Toronto Sun.
On a policy page, the university says it recognizes that faculty members are increasingly turning to social media and emphasizes that “freedom of expression is fundamental to the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and understanding,” and that the exchange of diverse perspectives is essential for “outstanding research, scholarship, teaching, learning, and innovation” to flourish.
However, the school acknowledges that the distinction between personal and professional social media use is often unclear, especially when faculty participate in academic debates or speak as experts online. The norms of social media platforms can result in “more informal and reactive communication” compared to traditional forms like in-person discussions or email, it says.
This sometimes leads to “emotionally charged online engagement that may result in complaints by and/or about faculty members.” The university also notes that platform algorithms and social bots can amplify the speed and volume of interactions, aiming to boost user activity and advertising revenue.
The site says that no member of the university "should engage in hate speech or in behaviour that demeans, harasses, or intimidates others; nor should any community member be subject to such language or behaviours in the course of their university work or study."
Further, If social media activity results in behaviour that may be contrary to university policy and procedures, that may lead to a review by U of T as the result of complaint, it says.
"For example, 'off-duty' conduct can sometimes lead to reports of harassment, discrimination, or other concerning behavior, including from other members of the university community."
