Massachusetts Teachers Association defends educators being attacked over Charlie Kirk comments

In response to teachers being disciplined in Massachusetts over social media comments after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy issued the following statement:

“The Massachusetts Teachers Association is calling on local school districts and public colleges and universities to be partners with unions in the fight to defend educators from bullying and harassment and to protect their rights.

“The ongoing campaign by extreme-right conservatives to discredit and defund public education has grotesquely exploited the shooting death of Charlie Kirk to launch attacks against people commenting on this public figure’s beliefs and statements.

“Attacks against educators and others have included death threats and the promise of violence.

“We are insisting that public school administrators or officials not take actions that validate accusations by extremists against educators.

“The MTA will ensure that its members are treated fairly and will advocate for their safety and the safety of their public schools, colleges and all of our students. District and campus leadership, too, have an obligation to keep everyone safe. We cannot forget that on the same day that Kirk was shot, two students at a high school in Colorado were shot by a classmate. It is imperative that schools and colleges play a role in shaping a comprehensive strategy to mitigate this climate of violence.

“We are insisting that public school administrators or officials not take actions that validate accusations by extremists against educators. We urge administrators to consider the legal and contractual rights of union members and to give equal weight to justice, due process and caution.”

The MassGOP issued a response to the MTA statement.

“The assassination of Charlie Kirk should be a moment of reflection about political dialogue, but instead the Massachusetts Teachers Association has chosen to defend educators who posted despicable comments that create a safety threat. Students already fearful about expressing their conservative beliefs now must worry that the state’s largest teachers association will further inflame partisan divisions. We should all condemn the horrific murder of a father whose only crime was speaking with others who held alternative views.”— MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale

Several teachers across Massachusetts have been placed on leave while districts investigate their comments in the wake of Kirk’s death.