At least four Texas teachers have been fired, and others have resigned, following a wave of controversy over comments made online and in classrooms about the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The fallout has prompted disciplinary action across multiple school districts, scrutiny from state lawmakers, and a broader investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Klein ISD: First Termination
The first firing occurred in Klein Independent School District (ISD), north of Houston. On September 12, the district terminated teacher and coach Derek Woods after screenshots of his social media posts circulated online. In the comments, Woods wrote that Kirk was “a HORRIBLE F—ING HUMAN” and added, “You reap what you sow.”
State Rep. Steve Toth (R-Conroe) shared the screenshots publicly, sparking outrage. Klein ISD quickly responded, with Executive Director of Communications Justin Elbert confirming Woods was sent directly to human resources upon arriving at school the next day and was later terminated. The district emphasized that the comments did not reflect its values.
Midland ISD: Comments in Class
Midland ISD trustees voted unanimously on September 18 to fire English teacher Lynette Fields after she made comments about Kirk in front of her students. According to testimony from a parent, Fields allegedly told her class that Kirk “got what he deserved” and added, “He was for guns, and that’s what he got.”
Board President Brandon Hughes stressed the importance of responsibility in the classroom, saying, “While we respect free speech and acknowledge that teachers are entitled to their opinions, it is crucial that such freedoms are exercised responsibly in a classroom setting filled with students who have not yet reached the age of majority.”
Parent Kristy Copeland, whose daughter was in Fields’ class, gave the only public comment at the meeting. She argued that the issue was not about free speech, but about the ethical standards of educators.
Goose Creek ISD: Confusion Over Vote
Goose Creek ISD trustees also voted to terminate an English teacher, Jennifer Courtemanche, during a September 22 meeting. Courtemanche had questioned on Facebook whether Kirk’s death was “the consequences of his actions catching up with him.”
The vote initially caused confusion when only two members voted in favor, with four abstentions. At first, the outcome was announced as a failed motion. However, the district’s communications director later clarified that, under Robert’s Rules of Order, the two “yes” votes counted as a unanimous decision since no one voted against termination.
“She’s terminated!” State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) announced on social media after the decision.
Jourdanton ISD: Social Studies Teacher Fired
In South Texas, Jourdanton ISD trustees voted on September 23 to fire high school social studies teacher Matthew Justin Holland. Earlier in the month, the district had issued a public statement condemning “any language, behavior, or actions that are disrespectful, discriminatory, or show insensitivity towards victims of violence.”
Other Districts Take Action
The controversy has spread statewide:
Ector ISD fired a part-time tutor and placed another employee on leave pending investigation.
Wylie ISD accepted the resignations of two teachers after labeling their online comments “unacceptable.”
Huntington ISD teacher Brianna Parrish, initially placed on leave, resigned on September 16 following scrutiny over her posts.
Statewide Response and Investigations
The Texas Education Agency confirmed it is reviewing hundreds of complaints related to educators’ conduct after Kirk’s assassination. On September 12, the TEA announced it would recommend suspensions of teacher certifications in cases that violate the state’s Educators’ Code of Ethics.
As of last week, TEA said it has received 351 complaints involving both certified educators and other school employees. Each case is under investigation.
“Educators are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” a TEA spokesperson told The Texan. “We will continue to review and investigate every complaint submitted.”
A Growing Debate
The firings have fueled debate over free speech, ethics, and the professional responsibilities of teachers. Supporters of the terminations argue that celebrating or justifying violence is incompatible with the role of an educator, especially in front of students. Critics caution that the swift punishments raise concerns about the boundaries of personal expression online.
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