Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, progressives across the country are facing consequences, including immediate termination from their jobs over inappropriate social media posts, comments and actions taken at work. Alabama teachers are no exception to the growing number of educators, with several cases of posts and behaviors that have come under scrutiny, forcing the Alabama Education Association (AEA), their union, to decide how to respond as districts and the state threaten actions ranging from suspensions to the potential revocation of teaching certifications.
The offending social media posts have ranged from openly celebrating the assassination, calling for more violence, blaming the victim, or posting other offensive and insensitive comments. Public outcry has been swift and unified about educators, medical professionals, and others in positions of public trust.
A Montgomery middle school teacher was placed on leave following videos in which she said, "We need this right now. We really need this right now. As a community, we need this. We need this win," Ogen reportedly said on the video. "When we get home and (my daughter) does in fact confirm that he died, I said, 'I hope it was traumatic and I hope he suffered, the way that we're suffering because of the bigoted bullshit he spoke.' Again, down with the dirty big heads and the bigots."
In a statement sent to 1819 News on Tuesday, Superintendent Cindy Wigley said a teacher was under investigation for comments made during class. Neither the teacher's name nor the school's name has been released.
There have been unconfirmed reports that a drama teacher at Simmons Middle School in Hoover has been placed on administrative leave due to social media posts and/or reposts related to Kirk's death. A witness reported local AEA representatives were involved in the matter, but the official referred questions to the state office, which said that the organization could not confirm specific cases.
Their office, however, did provide a written statement from AEA Executive Director Amy Marlowe, who said, "The Alabama Education Association (AEA) affirms its commitment to supporting educators while reminding members of the importance of exercising discernment when using social media."
"While educators, like all citizens, have a constitutional right to free speech, those rights must be balanced with their professional responsibilities and the operational needs of school systems," Marlowe continued.
Her comments echoed those of Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey, who sent an email to superintendents across the state that explained, "Educators, like all Americans, have a Constitutional right to the exercise of free speech, but they also have a professional responsibility to be dignified, moral, and exemplary in their public behavior," he wrote. "Teachers and all other educators hold a special place in our society because we entrust them with educating our most precious resource — our children."
Marlowe explained, "It is important for educators to recognize that while they are private citizens, they also serve in a public role. Community standards and the impact on the learning environment all factor into how an educator's social media activity is evaluated. Our goal is to help educators safeguard their careers by adhering to their school system's social media policy while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism."
"AEA will continue to provide resources, training, and support to ensure educators remain protected and respected as they carry out their vital mission of educating Alabama's children," she said.
Mackey issued a stern warning after receiving reports of three teachers who had made inappropriate posts: "Posts such as those I received could constitute a violation of our Alabama Administrative Code and the Educator Code of Ethics as well as other provisions of law." He pledged, "Each instance will be thoroughly reviewed and investigated by our certification team."
"In my years as State Superintendent, I have removed people from our profession and otherwise reprimanded inappropriate behavior in order to protect our students and to safeguard our profession. I will continue to do so, and I will not tolerate a small group of bad actors to diminish our calling or tarnish our profession. I appreciate your leadership and your attention to this important matter."
According to an AEA handbook outlining "Professional Rights and Responsibilities" for teachers and education support professionals, "If an employee who is required to hold a state-issued certificate or license has that certificate or license revoked, his/her employment is terminated without a hearing."
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