Saratoga, N.Y. - Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik demanded Gov. Kathy Hochul launch an investigation into school district faculty, teachers, and employees who have made inappropriate or offensive social media posts following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Stefanik's demand comes after the State of Florida opened an investigation into all educators who made celebratory remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Chairwoman Stefanik wrote:
"It has come to my attention that in the wake of the tragic and horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, a number of public school educators across New York State have made deeply inappropriate, offensive, and unprofessional comments on social media platforms. While these individuals represent a very small minority, their conduct is disturbing and inconsistent with the high standards expected of educators in New York State. Other states have publicly announced a review but unsurprisingly New York has failed to do so under your leadership.
The overwhelming majority of New York’s educators are dedicated professionals who serve their students and communities with integrity, compassion, and respect. However, what should have been a moment of solemn reflection and unity has instead exposed a disturbing pattern of concerning rhetoric from within our own New York State public school system.
The comments and social media behavior exhibited by certain educators in the aftermath of this tragedy are not only disgraceful and morally repugnant, but they raise immediate and serious questions about whether these individuals should be entrusted with the responsibility of educating our children.
A Beekmantown Central School mathematics teacher publicly celebrated Kirk’s death by posting profanities on Facebook and stating “At least he died happy... surrounded by white folk! (Utah!).” Alongside this, the faculty member included a photo of Charlie Kirk with the pronouns “was/were,” showing a complete absence of moral character and blatant racism, clearly exhibiting characteristics antithetical to those of a public servant and educator.
This is not an isolated incident, at Naples Central School, a faculty member reportedly made multiple social media posts spewing profanity directed at Trump supporters and followers of Charlie Kirk including referring to Kirk as a “Nazi” and “aspiring Goebbels,” a grotesque and historically illiterate comparison to the Nazi regime's chief propagandist.
This faculty member also shared a photo of a T-shirt that read “Is He Dead Yet?” stating, “Good riddance to bad garbage”—another gleeful celebration of a political assassination.
These are public school employees. These are the people standing in front of classrooms, tasked with guiding and mentoring our children and students. And yet we are witnessing them weaponize their platforms to cheer on political violence and publicly degrade Americans with different beliefs, while representing our school systems.
These are not isolated missteps. They reflect a broader, deeply troubling trend of radical ideology festering unchecked in our education system. While the vast majority of New York educators are responsible, ethical, and professional, those who abuse their positions to promote hate and division must be immediately investigated and held accountable.
As public servants and role models, educators in New York State are held to a high standard of conduct both inside and outside the classroom. The New York State Code of Ethics for Educators, as well as the Commissioner’s Regulations (Part 83) outline clear expectations regarding professionalism, moral character, and behavior that upholds the dignity of the profession and the safety of the learning environment. Pursuant to New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 83 (Determination of Good Moral Character), including sections 83.1, 83.6, and 83.7, the Commissioner has authority to investigate, impose preliminary suspensions, and ultimately suspend, limit, or revoke a certificate for any educator whose public conduct raises serious questions about their moral character or who is convicted of certain offenses.
Educators retain their First Amendment rights as private citizens; however, these rights are not absolute in the context of their professional responsibilities. Public expressions—whether verbal, written, or online—that are perceived as celebrating violence or expressing hatred toward individuals or groups can seriously undermine public trust and have a harmful impact on students and broader communities.
Such conduct may also raise questions about an educator’s moral character, which may warrant review under the New York State Education Law Section 3020-A regarding disciplinary action. Statements, whether in person or online, that create a hostile or unwelcoming school environment for any student, parent, or colleague will be taken seriously.
I expect your office and the New York State Department of Education to do an immediate review of these cases and identify any additional cases where public educators have made inappropriate, hateful, or violent remarks related to this tragedy.
This is not just about political differences—it is about upholding the moral integrity of those entrusted to teach our children. Anything less than swift and decisive action will send a dangerous message that this kind of rhetoric is acceptable in New York State schools."
Read the letter HERE.
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