AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University has terminated the employment of a financial aid professional after an investigation into a social media post made online.

Caitlyn Spencer was the employee who the school says posted a Facebook comment that read in part, “I’m happy he’s rotting in hell now,” referring to conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was killed on September 10 at a college campus in Utah.

The notice of termination came from Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen on Tuesday, September 23. WHO 13 News obtained a copy of that notice.

“As a result of the investigation, Iowa State University has determined that your conduct and continued employment has caused, and is reasonably likely to continue to cause, significant disruption, harm and adverse impact to the efficient and effective operations of the university. Accordingly, effect September 23, 2025, your employment with Iowa State University is terminated,” said President Wintersteen, in part.

The letter also said that the employee’s conduct was in violation of Board of Regent policy 4.2 Freedom of Expression. The letter states that the post also violated ethical provisions that were acknowledged in the Financial Aid Code of Conduct when she accepted employment at the university.

The investigation comes after pressure built up last week with the Iowa Board of Regents requiring that the three regent universities suspend and investigate staff members who posted remarks about the killing online.

WHO 13 News read students the full comment and asked if they believed the comment warranted disciplinary action or termination from employment.

“That’s a crazy comment, honestly,” said Andres Uruburo, a junior at the university. “Honestly, being a representative of the school, as I am, like just keep things to yourself.”

“I think the whole situation is unfortunate, but she is representing the university so you can’t really say that as a whole,” said Grace Hartwig, a junior.

“I think saying those things you need to have consequences for that. Yeah, I think Iowa State took good steps to prove that they don’t condone hate,” said Sophia Overman, a freshman at Iowa State.

“Freedom of Speech is totally valid and stuff, but technically she is working for a company, if you will. So I don’t know if that fully applies here. As for the comment itself, if that like qualifies for a firing, I think that it could because the policy is so vague,” said Owen Soenen, a freshman.

The termination letter said that the decision can be appealed through the Iowa Board of Regents. WHO 13 News does not know the number of staff at the three regent universities who are under investigation.