School districts fired or suspended employees over social media posts calling for violence after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing, citing misconduct despite free speech claims.

Multiple school districts, including Cecil County Public Schools, Las Virgenes Unified School District, and Cudahy School District, placed employees on administrative leave following social media posts about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Comments ranging from "karma" to calls for violence were deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with district values, prompting investigations. While some argue the posts are protected under free speech, districts maintain that employee conduct, even outside work, must align with professional standards. Legal protections for such speech are limited, especially in private employment, where "at-will" policies allow termination for controversial statements.