RICHMOND, IN — Richmond Mayor Ron Oler has issued an executive order barring city representatives from advocating political violence, in the wake of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s death.
Two days after Kirk’s death, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita posted on X, “Now is the time to oppose political violence — not justify it,” a statement Oler said in the order is echoed by the city of Richmond.
The order, issued on Tuesday, Sept. 16, prohibits city employees, appointees and members of boards and commissions from advocating for, inciting or celebrating political violence in any form, including through social media and other public platforms.
Any allegations or evidence of the conduct, the order says, will be “promptly investigated” by the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Law and that they will be referred to law enforcement for review under applicable criminal statutes where appropriate.
“Corrective action — up to and including suspension or removal from service — will be considered in line with city policy, contractual agreements and due process,” the order says. “This order does not restrict the lawful expression of political views. Richmond respects the right of its employees to personal opinions. But the line is clear: once speech crosses into advocacy of violence, it becomes incompatible with public service.”
Oler adds in the order that Richmond’s citizens deserve a workforce that reflects the best of our shared humanity, and that by drawing this line, the city makes it clear that speech or conduct that “glorifies violence or diminishes the value of human life” will not be tolerated.
It is Oler’s second executive order of the year, and he was joined in signing it by Director of Human Resources Kenyatta Cox and city attorney AJ Sickmann.
Oler’s office did not respond to a request for further comment in time for publication.
Ind. AG Todd Rokita ‘exposes’ public posts from educators criticizing Kirk
On Friday, Sept. 19, Rokita’s office published a press release stating it is “actively reviewing” public submissions regarding posts made by educators and administrators that criticized Kirk or allegedly celebrated his death through Rokita’s office’s “Eyes on Education” portal.
Rokita’s press release says that it currently has nine submissions active on the portal and has received hundreds of more requests, with many expected to posted in the coming days.
Of the submissions that are currently live, the closest ones to Richmond are two Ball State employees, including an administrator, whose comments have been reviewed. The administrator, former director of health promotion and advocacy Suzanne Swierc, was terminated from her position following criticism of Kirk after his death.
“Let me be clear: my office is not conducting investigations into these individuals,” Rokita said in his release. “Our goal is to provide transparency, equipping parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their children’s education.”
A prayer vigil for Kirk and all those affected by violence is currently scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at The Journey Life Center (2301 Pleasantview Road) in Richmond.
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Richmond mayor’s executive order bars city reps’ statements supporting political violence
Reporting by Evan Weaver, Richmond Palladium-Item / Richmond Palladium-Item
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