WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy addressed East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) reaction to two employees being put on leave after they commented on social media about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Andrew Herrmann and Russell Brown were placed on administrative leave following complaints received by the university concerning their online remarks regarding Kirk’s death.

“I urged the university to take action against those endorsing the killing of a person,” Grandy stated to News Channel 11.

ETSU is currently investigating the matter, and the university remains committed to upholding standards of conduct for its employees.

Grandy said this matter goes beyond free speech.

“This is not about free speech,” Grandy added. “It’s about maintaining public trust. Our university is a cornerstone of our community, and they must uphold their responsibilities.”

Grandy said professors should uphold a level of respect when leading the youth.

“They are influencers of our young people and condoning murder, assassinations, particularly on a campus setting, is abhorrent,” he said.

On Thursday, ETSU announced that Herrmann opted to retire, and the university is proceeding with steps to dismiss Brown. The termination process may take several weeks due to both professors having tenure.