In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, multiple Texas school districts and Baylor University have come forward to condemn public comments made by students, teachers, and staff that appeared to mock or downplay the activist’s death.
These statements, made on social media platforms, have sparked public backlash and raised questions about professionalism, accountability, and appropriate online conduct for educators and academic institutions.
School Districts Respond to Viral Posts
Two Houston-area school districts—Goose Creek CISD and Pasadena ISD—issued public statements addressing inflammatory social media remarks made by employees in response to Kirk’s death.
Goose Creek CISD: Teacher’s Posts Under Investigation
In Goose Creek CISD, a teacher identified as Jennifer Courtemanche drew attention after her Facebook posts went viral. In her now-private posts, Courtemanche questioned whether Kirk’s death was the result of “the consequences of his actions catching up with him,” and further suggested that his views may have influenced the outcome.
One of her posts read:
“Could this have been the consequences of his actions catching up with him?”
“I’ll bet if the victim had been Black or brown or a Democrat influenced, he’d have been singing a different tune.”
“Could Kirk have baited just one too many people?”
These remarks led to a sharp response from Goose Creek Superintendent Randal O’Brien, who issued a memo to staff and families stating:
“Goose Creek CISD does not tolerate hateful or violent rhetoric from anyone representing our schools. Such language is inconsistent with our mission and has no place in our learning community.”
While O’Brien did not confirm whether Courtemanche is still employed, he said the matter would be handled in accordance with district policies, which allow for disciplinary action—including termination—if employee conduct violates laws or disrupts their ability to do their job.
Pasadena ISD: Employee Comments Called ‘Insensitive’
Over in Pasadena ISD, Superintendent Toni Lopez released a statement Wednesday addressing another staff member’s “inappropriate and insensitive” comments about Kirk’s death.
Lopez emphasized that:
“Comments of this nature are taken seriously. These remarks are not aligned with the values, standards, and expectations of our district.”
She also extended condolences to Charlie Kirk’s family and friends, calling the situation tragic.
Baylor University Issues Statement on Student’s Post
The backlash has not been limited to K–12 schools. Baylor University in Waco also weighed in after a graduate student made a controversial post on social media that appeared to mock Kirk’s death. The university responded on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep disappointment:
“To make light of the death of a fellow human being is completely inappropriate and completely counter to Baylor’s Christian mission.”
Baylor clarified that the student in question is not a faculty member, staff member, or affiliated with the university’s athletics program. Still, the statement made it clear that such behavior does not reflect Baylor’s values.
Background: Charlie Kirk’s Death
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA and a prominent political commentator. He was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, and later died after being hospitalized in critical condition. At the time of this writing, the shooter remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
Kirk had been a highly polarizing figure in American politics, often making headlines for his controversial statements and public appearances. While his death shocked supporters, the reaction from critics online has highlighted the divisive nature of political discourse in the digital age.
As educational institutions in Texas and beyond respond to inflammatory reactions online, they are drawing a clear line between personal expression and professional responsibility.
The public backlash surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death has once again brought attention to the role of educators and students on social media, especially when it comes to sensitive and polarizing events.
While free speech remains a protected right, schools and universities are emphasizing that hate, mockery, and insensitivity have no place in educational communities.
