The public’s reaction to the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a debate over free speech. In the U.S., educators, journalists and students have faced backlash and consequences — such as termination or expulsion — for their comments regarding Kirk’s death. Frighteningly, these actions have been especially prevalent in Texas.
Hundreds of Texas teachers are under investigation, at least six school districts have taken action against educators and one university student has been expelled because of comments they made about Kirk’s death. Following Kirk’s assassination, politicians — such as Vice President JD Vance and Gov. Greg Abbott — have called for a crackdown on those who make “violent” comments regarding the activist and his death. Texas educators, especially, are under scrutiny.
Now more than ever, it is clear that Texans’ free speech is in danger. On Sept. 12, the Texas Education Agency sent a letter to state superintendents announcing investigations into educators’ online content, specifically anything inappropriate “related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” that may violate the Educators’ Code of Ethics.
The Educators’ Code of Ethics states, “The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty and good moral character.” Integrity is shaped by one’s morality and if someone wants to say Kirk was a bad person, or even mock him — that is within their right, their moral judgement and their truth, which all obey this section of the Educators’ Code.
Since the letter’s announcement, over 280 complaints have been made against Texas teachers. TEA Commissioner of Education Mike Morath addressed how these educators will be held responsible.
“I will be recommending to the State Board for Educator Certification that such individuals have their certification suspended and be rendered ineligible to teach in a Texas public school,” Morath said in a statement to MySA.
To silence the speech of Texas’ educators and students is to threaten the integrity and freedom of those who are brave enough to speak out on injustice. Following Kirk’s death, right-leaning political leaders have further amplified an atmosphere where free speech is not only unwelcome but punishable — and Texas is following suit.
Mocking and celebrating death, regardless of the individual, is wrong, but it is constitutionally protected. While the Educators’ Code of Ethics and public universities have their own standards and regulations for educators and students, one must question why, now, after the death of a powerful right-wing figure, Texas is deciding to speak on “injustice” and “violence.”
In a statement, the Texas American Federation of Teachers called the TEA’s actions “the most extreme case of government officials witch-hunting those who disagreed with Kirk’s politics.” These discourses have prompted action, pushing Texas legislative committees to study freedom of speech on college campuses. All Texas communities, especially college students and educators, must continue to exercise their right to free speech and fight back when it is threatened — power can only be yielded, not stripped away.
