A video circulating online appears to show the lecturer making the remark during class. Action News has not independently verified the video's authenticity, but it has been viewed more than 250,000 times and sparked strong reactions from students.
"Wishing death on people is not kind, it's not loving," said Fresno State student Adrian Ramos. "It's not something that I like."
Kirk, a controversial political activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson about 33 hours later.
Fresno State announced the lecturer's leave of absence Sunday, saying in a statement: "Fresno State condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language that celebrates or condones violence."
The lecturer's class was canceled Monday.
"The shooting of Charlie Kirk was made on a college. The comment was made on a college. We're students, we're the future. Things like this only make us more divided," said Ramos.
Students said the comments reflect poorly on the campus.
"I am very happy to hear all the different perspectives my professors have to say in terms of what they feel about him or what he said or just like their political beliefs in general," said Fiona Gia Andrea. "But in terms of death and violence, I don't think anyone should be wishing that. It's not a good look for our school."
Similar controversies have surfaced elsewhere in the Central Valley.
College of the Sequoias in Visalia said a part-time instructor made insensitive comments about the shooting and has since been replaced.
In Mariposa, a high school teacher allegedly told students Kirk "deserved it." Parents expressed outrage, and the school board is investigating.
Fresno State, College of the Sequoias and Mariposa Unified declined requests for interviews. A memorial event for Kirk at Fresno State is scheduled for Wednesday.