“Inexcusable” social media posts by Alabama teachers after the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week will be investigated, according to Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey.
Mackey said he had already been alerted to some "inappropriate" and "reprehensible" posts made by some Alabama educators but warned that such posts "could constitute a violation of our Alabama Administrative Code and the Educator Code of Ethics as well as other provisions of law."
Mackey said in an email to superintendents on Saturday obtained by 1819 News, “It is very unusual for me to write you on Saturday morning, but for the first time in a long while, I feel it necessary to do so. Like many of you, yesterday I had the opportunity of spending the entire day with many excellent educators from across our state. I was glad to be on the road from before sunup to well after sundown visiting with excellent teachers, administrators, and other educators including local board members, state board members, university educators, and, of course, student leaders. My experiences ranged from a university investiture to a JROTC demonstration. I came home immensely proud to be the State Superintendent of Education in such a diverse and wonderful state!”
“However, almost immediately upon arrival at home, I became aware of two inappropriate, reprehensible, and inexcusable social media posts regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. These posts were allegedly created and posted by two of our own Alabama teachers. By the time I went to bed, I had received a third such post. These posts do not reflect the vast majority of Alabama teachers who are dedicated professionals working diligently to mold and guide the development of the impressionable students in our classrooms,” Mackey said in the email. “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. At the very least, they are vile and inappropriate. I hope there are no others out there, but I want to make it clear that each instance will be thoroughly reviewed and investigated by our certification team. If you become aware of any such material allegedly created, posted, and/or reposted by your employees, you should immediately report it to our Department and work with your legal counsel to determine appropriate disciplinary actions. Your quick and decisive response is necessary and fully expected.”
Mackey emphasized that teachers are held to a different standard because they are entrusted with children.
“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.”
“It is, and always has been, my strong belief that we educators have a high calling upon our lives. A part of that calling is to be moral and civic leaders in our communities. I will not even refer to those whose create and/or post disgusting material as colleagues, because they do not share the collegial spirit that makes our profession special,” Mackey added. “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.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
