Two teachers investigated for reaction to Kirk’s killing

Schools officials in Orange and Los Angeles counties are investigating two teachers for alleged actions or social media posts after last week’s assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

- By HOWARD BLUME

A MEMORIAL to Charlie Kirk rests on the sidewalk in front of Villa Park High School in Orange County.

In Orange County, a Villa Park High teacher allegedly removed a memorial to Kirk that was set up by students.

In another, a Las Virgenes Unified School District teacher was placed on leave after officials said the instructor was linked to a social media post calling Kirka “filthy Nazi propaganda-spewing misogynist who got what he deserved.”

The episodes unfolded amid a string of nationwide situations in which employees were fired or suspended after being accused of publicly applauding the death of Kirk, who was fatally shot at a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, Public and private employees have used rough, celebratory or crude language — typically on social media — in response to Kirk’s death. While Kirk, who was 31, relished the give-and-take of debates, his own polarizing statements have long attracted sharp criticism as well as admirers and millions of social media followers.

The post linked to the local teacher also stated that, “REAL Christians, REAL people of faith would NEVER support this fake Christian who was so un-Christ-like and full of hatred for people of color, LGBTQIA+ PEOPLE, and women.”

The original posts appear to be no longer publicly available, but screenshots have been posted by those who have called for firing the teacher.

The Las Virgenes school district responded quickly on Facebook:

“We are shocked and deeply dismayed by the vile and completely inappropriate sentiments displayed in a social media post made by one of our employees regarding the recent horrific murder of Charlie Kirk,” the district said. “The employee has been placed on an immediate leave while the District engages in the legally required investigation and procedures to move forward with termination.”