News Summary
A Southside High School teacher was terminated after making an inappropriate comment on social media regarding the shooting death of activist Charlie Kirk.
Greenville County, South Carolina – A teacher at Southside High School has been terminated from his position following an inappropriate social media post regarding the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Wynne Boliek, who had been employed by the Greenville County School District, was let go on September 11, one day after making the controversial remarks on Facebook.
Boliek’s post expressed his condolences to Kirk’s children but controversially stated that “IMHO, America became greater today. There I said it.” This comment sparked outrage across social media, leading district officials to place Boliek on administrative leave immediately after the post was flagged.
The Greenville County School District conducted a swift investigation, confirming the authenticity of Boliek’s Facebook remarks. The district publicly condemned his comments, stating that they were in opposition to the professional standards expected of its educators. Officials emphasized that respect and professionalism are paramount in interactions, including those made on personal social media accounts, regardless of whether these actions are performed during working hours.
Boliek’s post drew significant backlash from various political figures, including local lawmakers such as Congress members Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Both lawmakers criticized the statement and shared screenshots of Boliek’s remarks on social media. They articulated that educators who celebrate the loss of life are unfit to be in roles where they are responsible for children. Mace and Norman, among others, demanded accountability for Boliek’s comments, asserting the importance of professionalism among public educators.
In addition, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus and State Representative Stephen Frank joined in calling for Boliek’s immediate dismissal, underscoring the need for teachers to act as role models and uphold community standards. Their support for the decision came as part of a broader discussion regarding the expectations of public educators and the potential impact their statements may have on students and the educational environment.
The district confirmed Boliek’s termination shortly after concluding the investigation, issuing a statement highlighting its commitment to ensuring that all staff members adhere to conduct that reflects positively on the educational community. A spokesperson reiterated that unprofessional behavior—be it online or offline—could lead to severe consequences, including termination.
Charlie Kirk, the subject of the controversial comments, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10 while participating in an event. His death has since spurred discussions about public discourse, the appropriateness of comments surrounding tragic events, and the responsibilities of educators in shaping young minds.
The incident has rekindled conversations among educators and officials regarding the significant role that teachers play as public figures and role models. It raises essential questions about the balance between personal expression and professional responsibility in the age of social media.
As the community reflects on this incident, local lawmakers have signaled their intent to ensure that teachers maintain a standard of professionalism that reflects positively not just on themselves, but on the greater educational system.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk death
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Charlie Kirk assassination
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Kirk
- Greenville Journal
- Google News: Charlie Kirk teacher fired
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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