A teacher in Massachusetts returned to work last week after being put on leave for their social media posts about the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk.
The agreement followed “a thorough review of the details related to the alleged social media policy violation”, according to a joint statement by the school and the teacher’s union.
Kirk’s murder in September prompted a flare-up of tensions between employers and employees, with scores of workers – from airlines, schools and law firms – swiftly fired for posting views about the incident on social media.
Prominent figures including Elon Musk and US vice-president JD Vance amplified the pressure on employers to act. “When you see someone celebrating Charlie’s murder, call them out. And hell, call their employer,” said Vance.
But the reinstatement of the teacher shows the importance of employers acting with care. Previously another union, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, warned schools to withstand pressure from extremists and urged “justice, due process and caution”.
“We seem to be in an era of knee-jerk reactions – the pressure to react at pace rather than respond with thought means some organisations create even bigger reputational challenges
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.