AUSTIN, Texas (PNN) - September 16, 2025 - Texas officials have launched a wide-ranging review of public school educators following a wave of online posts celebrating or encouraging violence
after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed Monday that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is investigating over 100 teachers whose social media activity may have violated the state’s Educators’ Code of
Ethics.
While authorities have not found any evidence directly linking the educators to 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who has been charged in Kirk’s murder, the review highlights heightened scrutiny of educators’ online conduct.
Education Commissioner Mike Morath underscored that free speech does not protect messages promoting or glorifying violence.
Each reported post is being evaluated individually, and potential disciplinary measures include suspension of teaching credentials or other actions under state ethics rules.
CBS News reports that superintendents have been instructed to submit additional incidents through TEA’s Misconduct Reporting Portal.
Morath emphasized that districts should carefully document any content deemed “reprehensible or inappropriate” to ensure a thorough review.
The TEA has received roughly 180 complaints from across the state regarding social media activity following Kirk’s death.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a public “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University in Utah last week.
Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage showed chaos as Robinson allegedly fled the scene, and he now faces charges including aggravated murder.
Several school districts in Texas have already acted on controversial posts.
In Abilene Wylie Independent School District (ISD), a teacher and a band director resigned amid backlash, while Klein ISD terminated an employee for inappropriate social media activity.
Goose Creek CISD publicly condemned a staff member’s online statements and Pasadena ISD confirmed disciplinary action against a teacher for “inappropriate and insensitive” remarks.
Morath emphasized that these incidents represent a small fraction of the state’s educators, who collectively serve more than 5.5 million students.
The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) criticized the investigations as politically motivated, calling the actions a “witch hunt” against educators for speech outside school, according to The Daily Caller.
Morath responded that the review targets posts that explicitly encourage or celebrate violence, noting that adherence to ethical standards is central to public education.
Conservative observers have expressed support for the TEA’s review, highlighting the duty of educators to uphold ethical conduct and protect students from exposure to radical or violent
messaging.
Governor Abbott and Commissioner Morath stressed that accountability is essential to maintain trust in public schools while balancing the boundaries of personal expression.
Although no connection between the educators under investigation and Kirk’s murder has been established, the scrutiny reflects a broader national focus on how public employees’ online
behavior can affect student safety and community trust.
The investigation follows a wider pattern of disciplinary actions targeting public employees - including politicians, military personnel, reporters and medical professionals - who have made sick and disturbing remarks in the wake of Kirk’s assassination.
TEA officials said they will continue to monitor developments and review cases to ensure consistent enforcement of ethical standards.
