A Franklin, Tennessee, science teacher has been suspended following allegations that she made inflammatory comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Emily Orbison, a bioSTEM teacher at Franklin High School, reportedly posted on her Instagram account that Kirk’s murder was 'the price of doing business.'
Explainer Charlie Kirk Overview
Williamson County Schools Executive Director of Communications Carol Birdsong confirmed the suspension, stating, 'This employee has been suspended pending an investigation into this serious allegation, which is standard procedure and follows State law requirements.' Birdsong emphasized that expressions glorifying or trivializing violence are 'inappropriate and unacceptable' and do not reflect the values of the school district.
The comments attributed to Orbison included a sarcastic remark about the necessity of school shooting drills and a dismissive statement about Kirk’s death, suggesting it was rational to not mourn him. The post also criticized Kirk’s views on the Second Amendment, which he defended in a controversial quote.
Williamson County Schools Superintendent Jason Golden addressed the situation in a message to district employees, reminding them that 'words matter' and urging caution in their communications during this emotionally charged time.
Tony Bostic, a member of the Williamson County Board of Education, described Orbison’s comments as 'despicable' and stated that there is 'absolutely no justification EVER for political violence.' He expressed concern over the impact of such rhetoric on students.
State Representative Lee Reeves, a Republican from Franklin, condemned the comments, asserting that there is 'no place in our schools for radical leftist teachers who celebrate murder.' He called for zero tolerance for individuals who glorify violence, especially those in positions of authority over children.
Claire Reeves, a member of the Williamson County School Board and the wife of Lee Reeves, echoed these sentiments, stating that the reported comments are 'deeply troubling' and will be addressed promptly.
The Williamson County School Board is scheduled to meet on Monday evening, where community members are expected to voice their concerns during the public comment period. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of educators' conduct on social media, particularly in the wake of Kirk's assassination, which has led to several individuals in various professions facing consequences for their remarks.
As Board member Dan Cash noted, 'young people are listening,' and the board is taking steps to ensure that negative feedback is not conveyed to students in classrooms or online.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse in educational settings, particularly in the context of recent national tragedies.
Why it matters
- A teacher's suspension over inflammatory comments raises concerns about educators' social media conduct.
- The incident reflects broader tensions in political discourse within educational settings.
- Local officials emphasize the importance of responsible communication among educators during sensitive times.
What’s next
- Williamson County School Board to meet Monday for public comments on the incident.
- Investigation into the teacher's comments is ongoing, with potential implications for her employment.
- Community members encouraged to voice concerns regarding educators' conduct at the upcoming meeting.
