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Florida biologist fired over Charlie Kirk post wins $485,000 settlement

Florida biologist fired over Charlie Kirk post wins $485,000 settlement

Summary

A Florida biologist named Brittney Brown was fired by a state agency after criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media following his death in a shooting. Brown reached a $485,000 settlement with the agency, which includes back pay and damages, but she agreed not to work there again.

Key Facts

  • Brittney Brown worked for Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for about seven years.
  • She was fired in September for reposting a meme on Instagram criticizing Charlie Kirk after his shooting death.
  • Brown sued the agency, saying her firing hurt her ability to find similar work because the agency regulates her field.
  • The FWC agreed to pay Brown $485,000 in a settlement covering back pay, damages, and attorney fees.
  • Brown will not seek future employment with the FWC as part of the settlement.
  • The firing happened amid a wider backlash against people making comments about Kirk’s assassination on social media.
  • The case raised First Amendment concerns about government employees' right to free speech.
  • A judge sanctioned a former supervisor for exaggerating the number of complaints about Brown’s post.
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