Have Manatee teachers been fired over Charlie Kirk social media posts? We asked
School districts across the state have launched employee investigations stemming from social media posts about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
A conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. His death sparked discourse from many on social media about his legacy and views.
However, according to Jamie Carson, a spokesperson for the School District of Manatee County, the district has not had any reports of issues related to Charlie Kirk social media posts.
“We’re focused on our top priority, the education and safety of our students,” Carson said in a statement to the Bradenton Herald. “For all employee-related matters, the School District of Manatee County follows the procedures outlined in the Human Resources Employee Handbook, including expectations regarding professional conduct.”
In September, Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas sent a letter to school superintendents stating educators could be disciplined by the state for distasteful comments or posts about Kirk.
“We will hold teachers who choose to make disgusting comments about the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk accountable,” Kamoutsas said in a social media post. “Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Florida teachers face Kirk comment scrutiny
Some school districts across the state, like neighboring Sarasota County, investigated posts made by educators about Kirk. At least six Sarasota County school employees were under investigation due to social media posts, according to reporting by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Pinellas County and Hillsborough County’s school districts have each investigated several employees over Kirk-related posts, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
In Miami-Dade County, eight teachers are under investigation for posts that were flagged as politically charged, the Miami Herald reported.
Carson added that while the School District of Manatee County has not had any reports, it would address any concerns in accordance with human resources guidelines and employee policies that address social media.
Kirk’s death also initiated response from state politicians, colleges and universities. New College of Florida announced it is commissioning a statue in honor of Kirk on its campus, while some counties and municipalities — like Manatee County — have decided to name roads after the activist.
School District policies govern social media conduct
The School District of Manatee County’s employee manual sets out guidelines for “Freedom of Speech in Noninstructional Settings” in Policy 3310.
The policy states that staff members have the right to speak about “issues of public concern,” but should avoid situations that could “conflict with the District’s interests.” Employees must state that their views are personal and not those of the school district, refrain from statements that would interfere with discipline by school officials, avoid threats or abusive comments about co-workers and avoid making statements that they know to be false.
Additionally, the district has a separate social media policy. The document outlines how staff should use district technology, create a distinction between work and personal social media use and maintain professionalism online.
“Although off-campus communication is generally unrelated to school business, courts have held that certain inappropriate off-campus communications were connected enough to school activities, students or staff to warrant disciplinary action,” the policy states. “District employees must be mindful that any Internet information is ultimately accessible to the world.”
