At least 20 California teachers are facing disciplinary action after posting derogatory comments about slain political activist Charlie Kirk, whose death last month has sparked a nationwide debate over free speech, workplace conduct, and political polarization in education.
Growing Backlash Across the Nation
Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a campus event in Utah in what officials have described as a politically motivated assassination.
Since his death, educators and public employees in multiple states have faced investigations or dismissals over online remarks about Kirk. While Texas alone is reportedly investigating more than 280 teachers, California’s number remains lower — partly because of the state’s strong free speech protections and union safeguards.
California Cases Under Review
Most of the California investigations stem from social media posts made outside of work hours, according to David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association (CTA).
“People are ready to pounce on educators. The goal is to sow fear,” Goldberg said. “It’s part of a larger attempt to bring the culture wars into schools and silence teachers.”
One high-profile case involves a Redding-area teacher from the Pacheco Union School District who allegedly wrote, “You reap what you sow, Mr. Kirk,” on a personal account. The teacher was placed on paid leave and later dismissed by the school board.
Another incident in the Dry Creek Unified School District near Sacramento involves a middle school teacher accused of calling Kirk “a piece of s—” online. That teacher remains on paid leave pending an investigation.
Districts Emphasize Respectful Conduct
School officials in both districts issued statements affirming their commitment to maintaining safe and respectful learning environments.
“The personal comments allegedly made by the employee do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of the district,” Dry Creek administrators said. “We are taking this matter seriously.”
Balancing Free Speech and Professional Standards
California law bars employers from firing workers solely over their political beliefs, but speech that disrupts the workplace can still lead to disciplinary action.
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, warned against overreach:
“There’s always the impulse to punish speech we don’t like,” Chemerinsky said. “But the First Amendment protects all speech. Once you open this door, it could set a very dangerous precedent.”
Local education advocates such as Jonathan Zachreson, a conservative activist and school board member in the Sacramento area, say that accountability still matters.
“Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences,” he said. “Many parents don’t want their child in a classroom with someone who posts that kind of thing.”
Unions Urge Caution
The California Teachers Association has advised educators to exercise caution when posting online, even outside school hours.
Goldberg said ongoing investigations are taking an emotional toll on teachers and school communities.
“Educators could have their lives turned upside down,” he said. “We tell them: know your rights, call your union rep, and look out for one another.”
As legal challenges and investigations continue, the debate highlights the growing tension between personal expression and professional conduct in classrooms across California.
