Several public-school teachers who posted celebratory or demeaning social media comments after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may still be in the classroom, a Republican congresswoman said Friday, prompting demands for investigations and mixed responses from school districts across multiple states.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul asking state authorities to investigate educators who she said “cheered” Kirk’s death and used language that could create a hostile school environment. Stefanik named specific teachers and districts and said the comments raised “immediate and serious questions” about whether those individuals should be entrusted to teach children.
In the letter, Stefanik identified a Beekmantown Central School math teacher she said posted on Facebook, “At least he died happy… surrounded by white folk!” and noted the post pictured Kirk with the pronouns “was/were.” She also cited a teacher in the Naples Central School District who wrote “Good riddance to bad garbage” and compared Kirk to a Nazi leader; that teacher was reported to be on leave as of Friday. Stefanik wrote that such remarks may violate New York state education law and create an unwelcoming atmosphere for students, parents and staff.
School districts and officials responded unevenly. Some districts placed employees on leave or fired them, while others declined to disclose whether staff would be removed from classrooms. The New York State Education Department said it recognizes the “urgent need for civil discourse and ensuring a safe and supportive school climate for all students and school employees,” but added it “does not confirm nor deny the existence of investigations.”
Several teachers named in social media posts were reported to have been placed on leave or fired. A teacher in Greenville, South Carolina, Wynne Boliek, was dismissed after posting that “America became better today.” Other districts reported placing staff on leave, including a teacher in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and an undisclosed teacher in Ohio. A teacher at King Elementary School in Framingham, Massachusetts, was placed on leave after posting an online video that critics said appeared to celebrate the news.
But at least two teachers named in reporting still appeared to be employed and teaching as of Friday. Jennifer Courtmanch, a high school teacher at Robert E. Lee High in Baytown, Texas, posted a message questioning whether Kirk had “baited just ONE too many people,” and a biology teacher in Pasadena, Texas, Joshua Baker, wrote in a post that “1 down. Now get the rest of these fools.” Pasadena Independent School District called Baker’s comment “inappropriate and insensitive” but did not disclose disciplinary actions. The Department of Defense Education Activity did not confirm whether a Fort Bragg, North Carolina, teacher reported to have written that Kirk “was a garbage human” had been disciplined.
Some teachers who drew outrage apologized and were placed on leave, according to district documents obtained by media outlets. A teacher identified as Michael Chiulli in Genesee, New York, apologized after a post that dismissed flying flags at half-staff for Kirk, public records showed.
The episode has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative groups. State Sen. George Borello called it “insane” that teachers accused of celebrating a killing could remain in classrooms, and Rep. Ronny Jackson said the educators “have no business shaping the minds of America’s youth.” Nicole Neily, founder of the conservative group Parents Defending Education, urged immediate terminations, saying publicly celebrating a political assassination is disqualifying for the teaching profession.
Officials noted constraints on employment actions. As governor, Hochul has limited direct authority over the state Education Department, and New York teachers often are protected by collective bargaining agreements that can make dismissals difficult. Hochul said Friday she was concerned about “the rise of political violence right here at home” and warned against escalation, linking the incident to a broader trend of violent political acts.
School leaders who commented emphasized that policies and procedures would guide any response. Some superintendents told local media they would address conduct that undermines student or staff safety consistent with district policy, but declined to discuss personnel matters publicly.
The controversy adds to heightened scrutiny of political content by educators following a series of high-profile incidents involving partisan speech on social media. Civil liberties advocates caution that disciplinary actions must balance employee speech protections with the need to maintain safe, nondiscriminatory school environments. State education officials reiterated the importance of civil discourse while declining to detail whether specific investigations were underway.
As districts review social media posts and consider disciplinary steps, lawmakers and parent groups on both sides of the political spectrum have signaled they will continue to press for accountability. The matter remains fluid, with some educators already removed from duties and others still employed as school systems weigh legal, contractual and policy constraints against public pressure and concern about the impact of the comments on students and staff.
State and local officials said they are reviewing complaints and, where appropriate, following established disciplinary processes. Stefanik’s request to the governor seeks a formal inquiry into the conduct of New York educators and whether their posts violated state law or professional standards. School districts and the state education department have not announced the outcomes of any investigations publicly.