In a stunning development, Texas authorities have launched an investigation into over 100 educators accused of advocating violence online after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Daily Caller reported.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is probing these teachers for potentially breaching the Educators’ Code of Ethics through social media posts following Kirk’s tragic death.
The events unfolded on Wednesday when Charlie Kirk, CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event held at Utah Valley University.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old individual, was detained as a suspect in connection with Kirk’s killing, which reverberated across political and educational spheres.
By Friday, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath issued a letter to school superintendents, highlighting the agency’s intent to scrutinize online posts deemed “reprehensible or inappropriate” by educators.
Approximately 180 complaints about teachers’ social media activity have been reported to the TEA, as noted by Cameron Abrams of The Texan.
These complaints are being directed to the TEA’s Educator Investigations Division to assess whether the state’s ethical guidelines for educators have been violated.
Commissioner Morath emphasized that while free speech is a right, it “does not give carte blanche authority to celebrate or sow violence against those that share differing beliefs and perspectives.”
He further clarified that each case would be examined individually to ensure fairness in the investigative process.
On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the matter on X, warning that over 100 educators could face severe consequences.
He declared that those found in violation would “have their teacher certification suspended and be ineligible to teach in a Texas public school.”
The TEA confirmed that sanctions, such as certificate suspension or other disciplinary steps, could be imposed if violations are substantiated, according to CBS News.
Morath has requested that school districts submit any relevant incidents through the TEA’s misconduct portal to assist with the ongoing reviews.
However, opposition has emerged, with Texas AFT, a teachers’ union, denouncing the investigation as a “political witch hunt” targeting educators for personal expressions outside their professional roles, per a Saturday statement in The Dallas Morning News.
Neither Abbott nor the TEA has disclosed the identities of the educators under investigation, preserving anonymity during this sensitive process.
