The Naples Central School District says a staff member has been placed on administrative leave following controversial social media posts praising the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
In a statement, Superintendent Kevin Swartz said the district was made aware Wednesday night that a staff member made multiple posts referencing Kirk’s killing during an event at Utah Valley University. The superintendent said the district has since received numerous calls and messages from concerned community members.
The superintendent’s statement emphasized that Naples schools value kindness, empathy, compassion, and civility, and said a formal investigation is now underway.
Officials say the teacher has been removed from the classroom pending the outcome of that investigation. Because it’s a personnel matter, the district says no further comment will be made.
The full statement is below:
NCS Community,
Like so many of you, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible tragedy that transpired yesterday in Utah, where Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Last evening, the district became aware that an NCS staff member made multiple posts to a personal social media site referencing this tragedy.
Since that time, we have heard from many community members regarding concerns and outrage related to these posts. I want to be very direct in saying to you that all of your voices have been heard. It is comforting to know the NCS community values kindness, empathy, compassion, and civility. As a district, we stand with you in doing all we can to uphold these values which are essential to model for our students.
In response to this matter, a formal investigation is underway and the district will follow all established policies and procedures. The employee has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
As this involves a personnel matter, the district will make no further statements about this matter.
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent
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