Another controversial statement from a professor at an Upstate college concerning the death of Charlie Kirk has come under fire. Presbyterian College Professor Emily Taylor stated "violent discourse espoused by Charlie Kirk has resulted in his killing in front of a crowd".
State Representative Luke Rankin of Laurens County he joined Straight Talk with Bill Frady, Thursday afternoon. Rankin says he's been in contact with officials at the college about the situation.
Rankin said "They (PC) are not only not going to fire her (Dr. Taylor), they are not even going to issue an apology. They are doubling down and I told them very clearly, I am not going anywhere on this issue. We're going to keep this front and center until they do the right thing".
Presbyterian is a private college which makes this situation different from that at Clemson and other public universities in the state. However, Rankin says there is other recourse when it comes to state funding.
Rankin cited that PC does receive funds through the South Carolina tuition grant process which allows students to apply those grants to their tuition at Presbyterian. Rankin says 80% of in-state students at PC use those funds.
Rankin said "We are prepared to terminate that funding for Presbyterian College, if they do not fire Dr. Emily Taylor."
Luke Rankin represents District 14 and prior to being elected to that position served as the Chair of the Laurens County Republican Party. Dr. Emily Taylor is an English Professor and the Director of Women's and Gender Studies at Presybterian.