‘There’s a very big difference between just saying ‘I don’t like Charlie Kirk’ versus celebrating his death,’ says parent Jonathan Zachreson.
California public school districts are pursuing disciplinary measures against at least 20 teachers over derogatory social media posts made on the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, with actions ranging from paid leave to termination.
The investigations, sparked by posts that mocked or appeared to endorse Kirk’s Sept. 10 murder during a campus talk in Utah, reflect a national trend. In Texas, roughly 280 teachers are under investigation over similar posts.
Kirk, who built Turning Point USA into a powerhouse for conservative movement on college campuses, often clashed with progressive educators on issues such as curriculum inclusivity and parental oversight. His murder is considered by authorities and officials as politically motivated.
Kyle Sullivan, a longtime teacher at Pacheco Union Elementary in Redding, a modest district nestled in conservative-leaning Shasta County, is one of the teachers facing disciplinary actions.
Sullivan’s Facebook entries, under the username “mr_sullivan_87,” surfaced shortly after Kirk’s shooting, including a post that read: “You reap what you sow Mr. Kirk.”
In another post, linked to a video of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) criticizing school policies, he wrote: “Can someone please kill her.”
These quickly went viral among local groups, prompting Superintendent Jake Fuller to place Sullivan on administrative leave on Sept. 11.
“I want to assure you that this post does not reflect the values, beliefs, or mission of our school or district. At Pacheco, we are deeply committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for every student, staff member, and family,” Fuller, also the school’s principal, said in a statement to families.
During a Sept. 17 board meeting, the school district voted unanimously to fire Sullivan, following heated public comment from parents expressing safety concerns and demanding Sullivan’s termination and the revocation of his teaching credentials.
In response, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office increased patrols around the campus, a measure Fuller said would help restore confidence in school safety.
Sullivan, who appears to have since deleted the posts made on Threads, now awaits a state commission review that could result in the permanent revocation of his teaching license.
