A teacher’s resignation in Naples and a heated debate among parents in Auburn have put free speech and professional conduct in the spotlight after local educators’ social media posts about Charlie Kirk’s assassination drew backlash.
The teacher had been placed on leave following public outcry and calls for their firing. Superintendent Kevin Swartz confirmed the resignation Tuesday, calling the situation a “disruption” and urging the community to model respectful dialogue moving forward.
The district now considers the matter closed, though the incident sparked heated debate over free speech and professional conduct.
Auburn parents split over teachers’ anti-Kirk posts
Meanwhile, parents packed an Auburn school board meeting hoping for answers after local teachers posted political opinions about Kirk’s murder, according to CNY Central.
Superintendent Dr. Misty Slavic issued a statement last week, but the board stayed silent during Tuesday’s meeting — even as several residents spoke out. Some defended the teachers’ free speech rights; others said political views don’t belong in the classroom.
No disciplinary action has been taken so far, though critics say the posts made students uncomfortable.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.