COLUMBIA, Ill. – Columbia Unit School District #4 accepted the resignation of English teacher Mary Adams Thursday night. 

At the district’s regular September board of education meeting, supporters of a Columbia High School teacher voiced their disappointment over the circumstances surrounding her departure.

According to Adams’ supporters, she posted a quote by Charlie Kirk criticizing the use of the word empathy. They believe this post triggered her suspension, brought about online threats, and led to her resignation.

“I am shocked, saddened, and embarrassed that members of our community have treated one of our best and most highly qualified teachers this way,” expressed Emily Velnosky, a parent in the district.

Adams’ supporters say the post was shared before news reports announced Kirk had died.   

“What is wrong with a teacher quoting Charles Kirk using some of his own words?” Columbia resident Patrick Kelly asked.

Supporters say Adams deleted the post.

“She was so qualified and so educated and she taught me so much,” said a tearful Kaelyn O’Brien, a former student.

Others praised Adams for her work teaching AP courses, which help prepare high school students for college.

“What happened to Mary Adams is wrong, and our students are paying a very high price,” Velnosky said.

Among the 12 public speakers, one person, Kellie Graves, disagreed with Adams’ supporters and expressed a desire to gather more information about the situation before forming an opinion.

“It would depend on exactly what was said,” Graves said. “She’s influenced a lot of our kids and hopefully in the right way.”

Superintendent Christopher Grode mentioned that the district refrains from publicly discussing personnel or student matters, noting that this lack of information can lead to speculation and assumptions.

Grode added that he believes the district effectively separates politics from the classroom.

You can view Thursday’s Board of Education meeting on the district’s YouTube channel here.