In Oglethorpe County, GA, there is a massive divide within the whole community. Over the week of September  10th-14th, Michelle Mickens was on her private Facebook account and stated a quote from  Charlie Kirk (a previously made quote from months before) on the day he passed away. The post was written as follows: "'I think it's worth it. I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights' Charlie Kirk." She posted his words on September 10, 2025.

As a community, Oglethorpe has always taken pride in standing with each other in hard times and supporting its locals. Despite Mrs. Mickens not being native to Oglethorpe, she has served as a leader and has reverence for many. She serves as a guide for her students while also being the sponsor for Oglethorpe's HOPE chapter. With many accounts from her students, she is an outstanding and supportive teacher who always accommodates those she teaches. 

Not only was what Mrs. Mickens and several other teachers said not incorrect or violent, but it was also not breaking the contract. Teachers are typically not allowed to speak out against political figures, presidents, etc. Charlie Kirk was, by definition, an activist. The argument of law or contract for that fact no longer stands. 

Despite the supposed support Oglethorpe claims to have and the amazing rapport that Mickens has built for herself, she continues to be attacked.  Some of the same people who support Kirk for stating his opinion are the same ones who are attacking and calling for the firing of Mickens for also simply stating her opinion, which only came out after being harassed by a former OC teacher, Eric Forschler.

Freedom is such a prominent topic in today's society. Our First Amendment right, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." US Constitution, Not just Congress, but America is the supposed "Land of the free." Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if we are trying to fire teachers or anyone from their job over a political disagreement, then by definition, we are risking our freedom and our speech. No person should be fired for a statement that didn't incite violence, but rather, spoke out to hope our community can come together and push past the hate and vitriol that surrounds us daily. 

If the termination of teachers starts now, will it ever stop? Why is it any less criticized when someone posts about their predominantly conservative views online? Violence is never tolerated, but when violence is never promoted in the claim, where does the possible termination stand? Mrs. Mickens is a passionate, caring teacher. If she is terminated, what does this start? No person should be terminated for freedom of speech. Every single person on earth is entitled to personal opinions, and that should never change. What should change is discrimination against anyone for speaking on their own accord, privately, and then facing vitriol or discrimination because of a differing stance or opinion.

Now is the time to act. The use of Constitutional rights is for everyone, not just if it fits your narrative.  It is urgent we try to prevent this now; it's not just Oglethorpe County having this problem, it is happening nationwide. With the people's support, we can make a difference and hopefully be on the way to preventing things like this from happening to teachers around the world.