UCLA DEI chief fired for celebrating the murder of Charlie Kirk

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chief at the University of California, Los Angeles was fired after he celebrated the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Jonathan Perkins, the former UCLA DEI chief, was terminated last week for saying he was glad Kirk died.

“Given the nature of your role as a Director of Race and Equity, the university has determined that this conduct significantly undermined trust in your leadership and adversely affected the office’s effectiveness and credibility,” his termination letter obtained by the Los Angeles Times reads.

Perkins is expected to file a lawsuit in response to his termination, arguing he was exercising his First Amendment rights.

“It is OKAY to be happy when someone who hated you and called for your peoples’ death dies — even if they are murdered,” he wrote on Bluesky.

Kirk was assassinated on Sep. 10, 2025 while doing a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The alleged killer has been charged with aggravated murder.

Perkins recently launched a GoFundMe to help him with relocating back to his hometown and legal fees, according to the New York Post.

He has so far raised $10,000 and is asking for more money to help his two dogs and cats. His goal is to raise $25,000.