RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Superintendent of Public Instruction for Virginia has issued a warning that teachers who made controversial statements on social media in light of Charlie Kirk’s murder may risk losing their teaching licenses.

Kirk, a conservative activist who was considered controversial by some for his views on LGBTQ rights and race, was murdered last week in Utah. 

State Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson emphasized, “Suggesting that the brutal murder of a father with two young children is acceptable should render an individual unfit to teach or engage with children again.”

“It shows you what sort of people they are. It shows you what sort of judgment they have,” Senator Glen Sturtevant (R- Colonial Heights) said. 

Gullickson urged local school districts to examine these social media posts for any breach of professional conduct standards. If teachers are found in violation, Gullickson supports referring them to the Virginia Board of Education for potential license revocation, echoing Sturtevant’s stance. 

“These comments were made publicly on social platforms. Consider what they might be doing to influence children privately, out of public view,” Sturtevant remarked.

On the other hand, Carol Bauer, President of the Virginia Education Association (VEA), argues that while they vehemently oppose violence and the loss of life, teachers are still entitled to their First Amendment rights to engage in political discussion.

“We agree that educators need to exhibit professionalism, yet we oppose any sweeping statements that fail to recognize the difference between personal expression and professional behavior,” Bauer stated.

Bauer added that schools should investigate the context behind certain social media posts, and any punishments should be “proportionate and fair.” 

“Investigations should be made so that someone does not have their license revoked for something that maybe was taken out of context,” said Bauer. 

Bauer says the VEA advises teachers that if they are going to post on social media, they should consider the impacts of their words and remember that posts can be taken out of context.