WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – At least two educators at North Country schools are on administrative leave over controversial social media posts about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Over the weekend, officials in the Watertown and Carthage school districts acknowledged that they were investigating the comments.
Carthage Superintendent Jennifer Premo stated that the social media post by the teacher in her district had caused “significant concern and outrage” in the community.
The teacher reportedly posted the following: “Finally, an assassin that didnt (sic) miss their mark. Thoughts and prayers (followed by a “zany face” emoji to express silliness).
Watertown Superintendent Larry Schmiegel said the post made by a teacher’s aide in his district does not reflect the opinions of the district.
That aide reportedly posted: “Charlie Kirk – (followed by a laugh-cry emoji) I’m sorry but that dude was a f**g d**k and didn’t care about gun violence towards children…’sacrifice a few lives’, right? ‘Some gun deaths are, unfortunately worth it’ – Charlie Kirk. Good riddance (followed by the victory hand emoji). Who’s next?”
In the Indian River Central School District, Superintendent Troy Decker acknowledged that a “partner” working with the district posted a controversial comment. He said he couldn’t comment on the partner’s employment status since the partner’s employer is working on the investigation.
The person reportedly posted: “F**ck Charlie Kirk and f**ck you if you label him as anything other than a racist piece of s**t who hated women and minorities. He’s not a martyr, he wasn’t admirable for ‘engaging the youth’, and he died defending the system that brought his demise. No one should die like that, no one should have to witness death like that, but I would rather reserve my sympathy and empathy for children dying in schools and the children who have to live with the burden of feeling unsafe and scared in a place that is supposed to be a safety net for them.”
Kirk, the co-founder of conservative activist organization Turning Point USA, was killed during an event at Utah Valley University last week.
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