LE ROY, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Le Roy Central Schools teacher was placed on administrative leave for using disparaging language to describe supporters of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated in Utah on Wednesday.
In a letter sent to the school community on Friday, Superintendent Merritt Holly said the district learned Thursday night that a teacher made the comments on a private account while referencing the killing of Kirk.
The teacher expressed regret for the remarks and said the account had already been deleted, according to Holly. The teacher provided this statement:
"I have strong personal beliefs, and unfortunately, in a heated moment while responding to recent events, I put up social media posts that were inappropriate, inflammatory, and offensive. I recognize that words, when shared publicly on a forum like social media, carry weight and consequence. I regret making these posts, as they do not reflect the discretion and civility with which I have tried to conduct myself personally and professionally, and because they have caused unintended disruption and discord in the school and local community. I have the responsibility of being a role model for others and fell short of that expectation. I sincerely apologize to the community of Le Roy, my colleagues, and especially the students and parents for my actions and the impact they have had. I am committed to listening, learning, and doing the work necessary to rebuild and regain trust and earn their forgiveness. I ask for the opportunity to demonstrate that I can grow from this and continue to contribute to our school and community."
The district said while it respects staff members' personal views, it "cannot condone or justify violent acts based on a person's viewpoint or statements."
The suspect in the killing of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, was arrested late Thursday in St. George, Utah. Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. Officials said he is expected to appear in court for the first time virtually on Tuesday.
