The American Federation of Teachers (ATF) has sued the Texas Education Agency after reports of that educators were reported, reprimanded, fired or threatens over posts that allegedly celebrated the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Records indicated that some school districts reported employees for misconduct at the state’s direction, with TEA Mike Morath sending a letter to school districts directing them to report any educators who posted or shared “inappropriate” content on social media. The letter stated that each instance would be reviewed to determine if conduct was sanctionable.
Following a four-month investigation, there were reportedly 350 misconduct complaints tied to social posts, though multiple school districts and the state pushed back on how many educators face losing their teaching certification — or the comments that triggered the state’s investigation into them. According to Zeph Capo, president of the Texas branch of AFT, the investigations into educators’ private social media posts are “unlawful” and accused the agency of retaliation.