Across Osceola County, four public school teachers are now under investigation and pulled from their classrooms—not because of misconduct with students, but because of comments they posted online about the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

While many Floridians held different views about Kirk’s legacy, the truth is clear: teachers are citizens too, and they should not lose their jobs simply for exercising their right to free speech outside the classroom.

Florida’s Education Commissioner has warned educators that even “vile” or “disgusting” comments could lead to sanctions, but this blanket threat risks silencing all teachers—even those who simply express political disagreement or criticism of public figures. That’s not how free speech works in America.

The First Amendment guarantees that public employees, including teachers, have the right to express personal views on matters of public concern. While no one condones celebrating death, punishing teachers for unpopular or controversial posts sends a chilling message: stay silent, or risk your career.

A culture of fear and surveillance erodes trust—not just between teachers and the state, but also in the classroom. 

We call on the Osceola County School Board to respect constitutional freedoms and immediately stop the investigations into these four teachers. Discipline should not be based on political pressure or partisan outrage. Instead, the Board must reaffirm its commitment to protecting free speech while upholding professional standards inside the classroom.

Firing or sanctioning teachers for their private speech is an overreach that threatens the public, regardless of political affiliation. Today it’s one group of teachers—tomorrow, it could be anyone who posts an unpopular opinion.

Stand with us in urging the Osceola County School Board: protect free speech, end these investigations, and keep our teachers in the classroom where they belong.

Photo: AP/Ross D. Franklin