Employee at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta fired after inappropriate ‘rhetoric
The hospital was made aware of the comments made on social media and terminated the employee.
ATLANTA — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has fired an employee following comments on social media that contained inappropriate “rhetoric,” a spokesperson with the hospital said.
The hospital was made aware of the comments made on social media and terminated the employee.
“This type of rhetoric is not acceptable for Children’s employees and violates our social media policy,” a spokesperson for Children’s said in a statement.
Earlier on Saturday, 11Alive learned that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has suspended several employees after social media posts related to the killing of Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk were found to violate the company’s media policy, according to an internal letter shared with employees this week.
“These social posts stand in stark contrast to our values,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote. “Violations of our social media policy can carry meaningful consequences, including termination.”
The suspended employees have not been publicly identified, but Delta said the matter is under active internal investigation.
Social media backlash over Kirk sparks employer responses
The suspensions come amid a wave of terminations, reviews and disciplinary actions across the country following online comments made in response to Kirk’s assassination. Kirk, a high-profile conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a college speaking event in Utah on Wednesday.
Companies and institutions from California to North Carolina have issued public responses as employees face backlash over remarks that appeared to celebrate or minimize the shooting. Delta is among the highest-profile employers to take action.
Delta, headquartered near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, emphasized that its brand is built on service, respect and professionalism—values it says apply in every setting, including social media.
Delta’s social media policy, linked in the internal memo, reminds staff that online activity—even on personal accounts—can reflect on the company and lead to disciplinary action.
Erika Kirk, the activist’s widow, called her husband’s death an assassination and vowed to carry on his legacy in a national address on Friday. Politicians and commentators across the political spectrum have warned of rising political violence and urged Americans to engage respectfully.
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