Walters says he will target teachers who ‘attempt to glorify’ Kirk’s death

Murray Evans

The Oklahoman USA TODAY NETWORK

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is threatening to revoke the teaching licenses of any Oklahoma public school teacher “who attempts to glorify” the murder of conservative political icon Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, 31, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University. Political conservatives on social media – including Walters – have praised Kirk’s work as co-founder of Turning Point USA, which focused on engaging young Republican voters through discussions on hot-button issues, including gun control and abortion.

In a letter sent Thursday, Sept. 11 to parents of Oklahoma students, Walters said “Kirk’s impact on young people was unmatched – he inspired a generation with his courage, faith, and dedication to America. His legacy will live on today and forever.”

Walters added: “Let me be clear: any teacher or employee who attempts to glorify this disgusting act of violence will have their teaching license taken from them and will never step foot in an Oklahoma school again.”

Walters sent the letter hours after he criticized an Oklahoma teacher over comments about Kirk’s death. Shortly after Kirk was shot, a post on a social media account that shares the same name as a Sand Springs middle school teacher said: “Charlie Kirk died the same way he lived: bringing out the worst in people.”

On Thursday, one of Walters’ supporters, state Rep. Gabe Woolley,

R-Broken Arrow, flagged the post. It also was highlighted by the Libs of Tik-Tok social media channel, which is led by another Walters ally, Chaya Raichik.

Walters described the post as “disgraceful rhetoric” and added “we are investigating this teacher’s actions.”

Walters has a history of targeting the licenses of teachers over their political remarks, but he does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend or revoke a teaching license. By law, that authority goes to the Oklahoma State Board of Education, of which Walters is chair and one of seven members.

In a statement, Sand Springs Public Schools district leaders said they had received calls and emails about the teacher’s post.

“While we cannot comment on personnel matters, we want to assure you this matter is being addressed in accordance with state law and school district policies,” the statement said. “We also want to emphasize that personal social media posts by employees do not represent the values or positions of the district.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Kirk’s family and loved ones. Violent acts like this have a devastating impact on families and communities, and we stand firmly against it. As a district, we believe in promoting safety, respect and care for one another.”

A spokeswoman for the Sand Springs district said that as of Friday morning, the teacher remained employed by the district.

If Walters were to recommend the state board take action against the teacher’s license, it’s unclear whether he would have enough support to do so. In recent months, four newly-appointed board members have clashed with Walters over a variety of issues.

At least one Oklahoma educator — at a private school in northwest Oklahoma City — has lost their job over comments following Kirk’s death.

Heritage Hall President Aaron Fetrow described the teacher’s post as “callous, offensive and completely incompatible with our school’s mission and values,”in a note sent Thursday. “While Heritage Hall typically would not comment on personnel matters, given the magnitude of the situation, I think it’s important to share with our patron body this individual is no longer employed at Heritage Hall,” Fetrow wrote.

“Let me be clear: any teacher or employee who attempts to glorify this disgusting act of violence will have their teaching license taken from them and will never step foot in an Oklahoma school again.”

Ryan Walters

State schools superintendent