Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said Wednesday the state has the right to suspend or revoke a license for K-12 teachers and administrators for misconduct, saying seemingly paradoxically: “While we must protect the First Amendment, calls for political violence are not freedom of speech and should not be tolerated.”
Braun’s X/Twitter post said the state will begin reviewing social media comments from educators following the Sept. 10 killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump. Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Some educators have already lost their jobs. An official said a Westville Middle School teacher was no longer employed by the New Durham district in LaPorte County after her social media remarks about Kirk triggered criticism.
A Valparaiso High teacher’s social media post on Kirk’s death was mentioned on the Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s Eyes on Education online dashboard that recently began posting comments from educators on Kirk’s killing. In a Monday Facebook post, Valparaiso Community Schools said it was reviewing an “objectionable post” that was made on “the employee’s personal account during her personal time and does not reflect the values or mission of our district.”
The post continued that administrators were evaluating the situation in accordance with its policies and procedures, but would have no further comment on what specific actions would be taken against the employee.
Braun’s post came as people across the country are losing their jobs, including ABC talk show host Jimmy Kimmel who was suspended Wednesday night after he commented on Republicans’ reactions to Kirk’s killing on his show earlier this week.
Braun said, “Teachers play a critical role in the shaping of our youth. As a result, we hold them to a higher standard…”
“In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, there have been some terrible things shared, particularly across social media. While we must protect the First Amendment, calls for political violence are not freedom of speech and should not be tolerated.
“The Secretary of Education has the authority to suspend or revoke a license for misconduct and the office will review reported statements of K-12 teachers and administrators who have made statements to celebrate or incite political violence,” Braun said.
Indiana’s two teacher unions responded Thursday to Braun’s remarks.
“Political violence threatens our democracy, but so does censorship,” said a statement from the Indiana State Teachers Association.
“Indiana’s educators devote their lives to creating safe and welcoming classrooms, and the vast majority do so with professionalism, care and deep commitment to their students every day.”
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Threatening to take educators’ licenses for lawful speech risks silencing those who are teaching honestly or sharing personal views responsibly, the union said.
The ISTA said it’s willing to join state leaders to make sure educators remain focused on teaching in support of Indiana’s students.
The Indiana Federation of Teachers said it condemns political violence and the celebration of it.
“However, threats to revoke a teacher’s license over speech are a threat to free speech and our democracy as we know it. We as educators are focusing on keeping students safe and doing what is best for students and the community we serve.
“We are continuing as educators to nurture our communities while others sow chaos. Our goal is to continue to fight for safe, welcoming, and fully funded public schools.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.