School officials across the nation are punishing teachers who posted controversial remarks about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Screenshots of teachers expressing regret that the assassination attempt was unsuccessful have surfaced on social media, gaining widespread attention.
The popular X account Libs of TikTok revealed many of these posts, drawing millions of views and prompting quick responses from school districts.
THis development was covered by ABC45 News.
Teachers Under Investigation
The Sioux Falls School District in South Dakota announced on Tuesday that a staff member is "no longer employed" after a social media post about Trump.
Middle school behavior specialist Cassandra Oleson wrote on Facebook, "Shoot ~ If only he would've had his scope sighted in correctly," according to KSFY. The district stated that Oleson's remark "does not align with our values and was not condoned in any way."
"We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful learning environment for all students and staff and upholding the values of our community," the district wrote in a statement.
In Oklahoma, Alison Scott, a teacher at Ardmore City Schools, is under investigation by both district and state officials for her Facebook post: "wish they had a better scope."
The district condemned the act of violence and is investigating. Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced on X that he intends to revoke Scott's teaching certificate, stating, "She will no longer be teaching in Oklahoma."
Bellarmine University in Kentucky announced that a professor who posted "if you’re gonna shoot, man, don’t miss” on social media is no longer employed. The university stated that "words and actions that condone violence" are "unacceptable and contrary" to its values.
Wider Reactions
Retired rhetoric professor Dr. Richard Vatz told Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) that the surge in educator posts supporting the assassination attempt is unprecedented.
"I taught in higher education for over 50 years and saw only a small number of teachers and professors who would go to social media or other public sites and support such despicable illegal and or murderous behavior," he said.
Vatz added, "The type of complete irresponsibility shown in publicly supporting political violence means they are in the wrong profession."
