Concerns Over Free Speech Are Now Growing in Texas •

AUSTIN, Texas — As of September 18, 2025, at 7:21 AM PDT, Texas education officials are investigating 281 public school teachers for social media posts deemed “reprehensible and inappropriate” in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The probe, which has already led to one teacher’s firing, has sparked a heated debate over free speech rights and the professional ethics expected of educators, with both sides digging in over where the line should be drawn.

The controversy erupted after Kirk, the 32-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot by a sniper during his “American Comeback Tour” in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.

Known for his outspoken views on gun rights, cultural issues, and conservative activism, Kirk’s death triggered a wave of online reactions—some mourning, others sharply critical.

Among those drawing scrutiny are Texas teachers whose posts ranged from subtle critiques to remarks suggesting Kirk’s death was a form of “karma” for his divisive rhetoric.

On September 12, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath sent a letter to all 1,200 school superintendents in the state, urging them to report educators whose social media activity might violate the state’s educators’ code of ethics.

“While the exercise of free speech is a fundamental right we are all blessed to share, it does not give carte blanche authority to celebrate or sow violence against those that share differing beliefs and perspectives,” Morath wrote, emphasizing that such posts could undermine public confidence in schools.

Teacher Gets Fired for Ethics Violation as a Professional

One case has already made headlines: Derek Woods, a football coach and social studies teacher at Klein Independent School District near Houston, was fired on September 12, just two days after Kirk’s death.

Woods had responded to a Facebook post mourning Kirk, writing, “I don’t get why anyone is sad…Yes he is leaving behind 2 beautiful little girls and I pray for them. but that man was a horrible f—–g human being.

He was a legit racist, homophobic, a misogynist, transphobic nasty person.

Plus he said out of his d–n mouth ‘people should die in order for us to protect the second amendment.’”

Klein ISD didn’t hesitate, stating, “His employment with Klein ISD was terminated effective immediately as this conduct does not reflect the values, standards, or expectations of our school district and will never be tolerated.”

The district’s swift action reflects the heart of the issue: this isn’t about silencing free speech but enforcing a professional standard that bars educators from endorsing or appearing to celebrate violence, even in personal online spaces.

Still, free speech advocates are crying foul.

The Texas American Federation of Teachers (TAFT) has slammed the investigations as a “witch-hunt” targeting those who disagreed with Kirk’s politics.

A TAFT spokesman, with nearly 30 years in Texas education, argued, “I may not like it, you may not like it. I don’t think that’s inciting violence… And it certainly wasn’t happening in the classroom.”

He raised concerns about fairness, noting that cases could go before the State Board for Educator Certification, a panel of gubernatorial appointees.

“I don’t think that anybody who goes in front of that board right now is going to get a fair and impartial hearing based on the fact that it’s a vote of gubernatorial appointees on a tremendously hotbed issue,” he said.

Teachers Get Held to a Higher Standard

The timing of the probe, coinciding with Texas’ Celebrate Freedom Week—marking the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787—hasn’t escaped critics, who see irony in a free speech crackdown during a period meant to honor constitutional liberties.

Yet supporters of the investigations argue it’s a matter of responsibility, not censorship.

Teachers, as public employees entrusted with shaping young minds, are held to a higher standard under Texas’ educator code, which demands professionalism and respect, even off the clock.

Woods’ firing, for example, wasn’t about his right to criticize Kirk but about language and sentiments that could destabilize the trust parents and students place in educators.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now reviewing the cases through its Educator Investigations Division, which could recommend suspending teaching certifications, effectively barring offenders from public school jobs.

The TEA has even set up an online portal for reporting misconduct, a move some critics call a “snitch hunt.”

Most of the flagged posts describe Kirk in less-than-flattering terms, but it’s unclear how many explicitly cross into advocating violence.

This clash comes at a volatile moment, with the nation still reeling from Kirk’s assassination and broader political divides.

The investigations could set a precedent for how schools balance personal expression with professional accountability, especially in an era when social media amplifies every word.

For now, Texas is navigating a tightrope: protecting free speech while ensuring educators don’t erode the safe, respectful spaces students need.

Also Read: GOP Members Now Believe Trump Is Named First In The Epstein Files

For customer support or to report typos and corrections please get in contact via media@franknez.com.