News Summary
A South Carolina high school teacher was fired after making a controversial social media post following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Greenville County, South Carolina – A high school teacher has been terminated from the Southside High School following a controversial social media post made in the wake of a shooting incident that claimed the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10. Wynne Boliek, who taught social studies, including world history, civics, and government economics, faced backlash after expressing his opinion about Kirk’s death on Facebook.
Boliek’s post included the statement, “Thoughts and prayers to his children but IMHO [in my honest opinion] America became greater today. There I said it.” This post captured significant attention after it was shared online, and it resulted in widespread backlash from various political figures, including U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and William Timmons.
Following the uproar, the Greenville County School District placed Boliek on administrative leave while they conducted an investigation into the matter. On September 11, the district confirmed the authenticity of Boliek’s post and announced his termination from the district.
The Greenville County Schools issued a statement condemning Boliek’s comments, clarifying that they do not align with the standards expected from staff members. The school district emphasized its dedication to maintaining professionalism and respect within the educational environment for both students and the community.
The incident surrounding Boliek garnered significant attention across social media platforms, particularly among conservative circles. Members of Congress and candidates in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary voiced their criticism of Boliek’s actions, stressing the need for accountability in educational settings. Additionally, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus publicly called for his dismissal through their platform.
Representative Timmons warned that public school teachers could face serious consequences for using their platforms to disseminate inappropriate content. This incident highlights the standards of conduct that the Greenville County Schools expect from their employees, particularly in relation to their behavior on social media.
The district’s code of ethics stipulates that staff should demonstrate high standards of personal character and conduct, serving as positive role models for students. Furthermore, the policy also states that employees risk termination for unprofessional behavior, or if their social media activities negatively impact their ability to perform their job duties effectively.
As this situation unfolds, community members are closely observing the implications of Boliek’s comments and the district’s response. The incident raises important questions regarding the boundaries of personal expression, especially for individuals in positions of authority within educational institutions. The school district’s commitment to upholding a respectful and professional atmosphere remains a focal point as they navigate the repercussions of this event.
Charlie’s Kirk’s fatal shooting took place at Utah Valley University, which has sparked discussions about political discourse and social media ethics in the wake of violence. The broader implications of this incident are being analyzed by educators, political figures, and community members alike, all seeking to understand the balance between personal expression and professional accountability within educational environments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Hillcrest High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Battery
Furman University Secures $2 Million NSF Grant for STEM Education
Legal Challenge Over Revoked Student Visas Impacts Universities
Spartanburg Faces Sudden Cuts to AmeriCorps Programs
Greenville’s Schools Embrace AI in Education
Greenville County Schools Celebrate Student Achievements
Greenville Teacher Competes on Jeopardy!
Hundreds Protest Against Trump Policies in South Carolina
Greenville County Parents Seek Special Education Changes
Big Cuts to Education Research Funding Threaten Future of Student Programs
Additional Resources
- WSPA: Upstate teacher placed on leave
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk assassination
- Fox Carolina: Upstate teacher on leave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political discourse
- MYFOX8: South Carolina teacher placed on leave
- Google News: Greenville County School District
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
