A Tennessee school science teacher has come under fire for a social media post that mocked the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Emily Orbison, a teacher at Franklin High School, reportedly referred to Kirk's murder as 'rational' in an Instagram post that has since been deleted.
Explainer Charlie Kirk Overview
Sources indicate that Orbison's post included a comment about the lack of a 'good guy with a gun' during the incident, stating, 'Don’t mourn his death. It’s just the price of doing business. Completely rational.' This comment has drawn significant backlash, particularly given Kirk's prominence as a conservative leader and founder of Turning Point USA.
Orbison, who is reportedly the granddaughter of rock legend Roy Orbison, further criticized Kirk's views on gun rights, citing a quote where he suggested that some gun deaths are an acceptable cost for protecting Second Amendment rights. In her post, she expressed frustration over having to conduct school shooting drills and reassured students about safety protocols.
In response to inquiries from The Federalist, Orbison stated, 'You do not have permission to share a post from my private Instagram account.' Attempts to reach Franklin High School Principal Shane Pantall and other school administrators for comment were unsuccessful.
National Response to Kirk's Assassination
Kirk's assassination has prompted a wave of reactions from educators across the country, many of whom have faced disciplinary action for insensitive comments. At East Tennessee State University, two faculty members were placed on administrative review for allegedly celebrating Kirk's death. One reportedly stated, 'you reap what you sow,' while another referred to the incident as a 'victory.'
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee announced the termination of an employee for making 'inappropriate and callous comments' regarding Kirk's murder. Additionally, two teachers in Iowa have been placed on administrative leave for similar remarks.
In South Carolina, Wynne Boliek, a social studies teacher, lost his job after posting on Facebook that America became 'greater' following Kirk's death. The Greenville County Schools district condemned his message, emphasizing that it does not reflect the standards expected of staff.
Kirk's wife, Erika, delivered a poignant tribute to her husband, asserting that his legacy would endure. 'The movement my husband built will not die,' she stated. 'It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever.'
The controversy surrounding Orbison's comments raises questions about the appropriateness of educators' social media conduct, particularly in relation to sensitive political events. As the nation grapples with the implications of Kirk's assassination, the responses from educational institutions highlight a broader dialogue about free speech and professional conduct in the classroom.
Why it matters
- Emily Orbison's post on Kirk's assassination sparked outrage, highlighting tensions between educators' free speech and professional conduct.
- The incident raises concerns about the appropriateness of teachers' social media behavior, especially regarding sensitive political topics.
- Kirk's assassination has led to disciplinary actions against educators nationwide, reflecting a growing scrutiny of political expressions in schools.
What’s next
- Franklin High School may face pressure to address Orbison's comments and their implications for staff conduct.
- Further investigations into educators' social media conduct are likely as institutions respond to public backlash.
- Calls for clearer guidelines on teachers' social media use in relation to political events may emerge from this controversy.
