A Republican Minnesota lawmaker is calling for a professor to resign, arguing his online comments about conservative leader Charlie Kirk as well as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, both of whom were assassinated by a disgruntled gunman, are unacceptable.

The Minnesota State University — Mankato political science professor reportedly “referred to Kirk as a ‘POS who died of the violence he promoted happening to others,'” Alpha News reported.

The professor “also replied to a post about Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings, saying, ‘Ignoring that racist POS is the only thing the Vikings did right Sunday.'”

Rep. Brad Finstad, in a Sept. 22 memo to university President Edward Inch, said the recent comments are not an isolated incident for Professor Kevin Parsneau.

“In December 2024, following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mr. Parsneau wrote on Facebook: ‘It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer.’ Such reprehensible statements cannot be dismissed as mere personal opinion — they reflect a repeated pattern of promoting or excusing violence.”

“Violence in any form must be condemned unequivocally,” the memo added. “Mr. Parsneau’s repeated history of such conduct is unacceptable, and it is deeply concerning that he continues to be entrusted with a platform within academia. Students deserve an environment where they can pursue their education free from exposure to faculty who openly glorify or encourage violence.”

The College Fix connected with Professor Parsneau on Monday and will add his statement once provided.

In the meantime, the university’s media relations team forwarded The Fix a memo sent to the campus community by President Inch:

I want to acknowledge concerns that have been raised in response to recent social media posts made by a member of our faculty regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk. These posts have caused distress for many, and I appreciate those of you who have taken the time to share your thoughts with me.

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, our core values include Integrity and Respect in the way we conduct ourselves, and Responsibility to those we serve by providing an education that inspires solutions to society’s challenges. As a public institution of higher education, we uphold our responsibility to promote the free exchange of ideas—an essential part of academic life and civic engagement. However, this exchange must always be conducted in a manner that enlightens and educates, without being disparaging or disrespectful of others.

Our words and actions have consequences. As a University that proudly welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences, we must be mindful of how our words and actions shape the perceptions of those considering Minnesota State Mankato as their academic home. The way we communicate can influence not only prospective students and their families, but also the broader community of supporters who believe in our mission, including alumni, partners, and donors. When rhetoric becomes divisive, it erodes trust and confidence in the important work we do.

Of course, as U.S. citizens and members of a public university, we respect the rights and privileges afforded by the Constitution, including the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech. These rights are foundational to our democracy and to the mission of higher education.

But also foundational to our mission is our calling to educate. When we experience differences, we seek to learn. When others display hate, we seek to develop relationship. We must act with respect toward one another, always. These principles must guide us in moments of challenge and reflection, and I encourage you to center all your dialogue on these principles.

MORE: Prof suspended over Kirk post: ‘I will 1000% wish death on people like him’