Alabama schools superintendent sends letter about ‘inappropriate’ social media posts
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Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey sent a letter to school superintendents stating inappropriate social posts will result in disciplinary action.
This article was originally published by Alabama Reflector.
In a letter sent to school superintendents on Saturday, Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said that “inappropriate” social media posts will result in investigations and disciplinary action.
Mackey said the letter stemmed from what he described as three “inexcusable” social media posts by three Alabama educators about the shooting of right-wing political commentator and talk radio show host Charlie Kirk.
“Almost immediately upon arrival at home, I became aware of two inappropriate, reprehensible, and inexcusable social media posts regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Mackey wrote in the letter. “These posts were allegedly created and posted by two of our own Alabama teachers. By the time I went to bed, I had received a third post.”
Alabama Political Reporter first reported the letter. The nature of the posts was not explained. There are currently 48,670 public school teachers in the state.
Mackey said the posts he was made aware of may violate the Alabama Administrative Code and the Educator Code of Ethics but did not state how, and said school officials should report any inappropriate posts for investigation.
“I want to make it clear that each instance will be thoroughly reviewed and investigated by our certification team. If you become aware of any such material allegedly created, posted, and/or reposted by your employees, you should immediately report it to the Alabama State Department Education and work with your legal counsel to determine appropriate disciplinary actions,” the letter said.
Mackey wrote that he has removed teachers from their positions to ensure student safety.
“In my years as state superintendent, I have removed people from our profession and otherwise reprimanded inappropriate behavior in order to protect our students and to safeguard our profession. I will continue to do so, and I will not tolerate a small group of bad actors to diminish our calling or tarnish our profession,” he said in the letter.
Amy Marlowe, executive director of the Alabama Education Association, which represents teachers around the state, said in a statement educators need to “exercise discernment” when posting on social media and while they have free speech, they still serve in a public position.
“While educators, like all citizens, have a constitutional right to free speech, those rights must be balanced with their professional responsibilities and the operational needs of school systems,” Marlow wrote. “It is important for educators to recognize that while they are private citizens, they also serve in a public role. Community standards and the impact on the learning environment all factor into how an educator’s social media activity is evaluated. Our goal is to help educators safeguard their careers by adhering to their school system’s social media policy while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.”
AEA will provide services for teachers to ensure they are protecting their rights while also doing their jobs.
“AEA will continue to provide resources, training, and support to ensure educators remain protected and respected as they carry out their vital mission of educating Alabama’s children,” Marlowe wrote.
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