Greenville County, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Wynne Boliek, a world history and civics teacher at Southside High School, was dismissed from the Greenville County School District following an inappropriate social media post about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The post led to significant backlash from the community, prompting an investigation and confirmation of his termination. The school board plans to recommend the revocation of Boliek’s teaching certificate, reinforcing the importance of professional standards in education.
Greenville County
A teacher in the Greenville County School District, Wynne Boliek, has been dismissed from his position due to an inappropriate social media post regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The post, made on September 10, 2023, sparked considerable backlash and concern from parents, students, and community leaders.
Boliek, who taught world history, civics, and government/economics at Southside High School, was placed on administrative leave after the district became aware of his post on September 11. The post stated that while he offered “thoughts and prayers to [Kirk’s] children,” he believed “America became greater today.” Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, although Boliek’s message did not directly mention him by name.
The situation escalated when a social media account called @MostlyPeacefull shared screenshots of Boliek’s post, leading to widespread outrage. Several political figures, including U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, condemned Boliek’s statements, emphasizing that celebrating anyone’s death is entirely inappropriate, especially for someone in a position that influences young minds.
Upon investigating the matter, the district confirmed that Boliek authored the post and subsequently terminated his employment. The district issued a statement that reiterated its commitment to professionalism and respect toward students and families. Mace expressed her satisfaction with the district’s prompt action against Boliek, underlining the unacceptable nature of his comments.
The Greenville County School Board has further announced plans to recommend revoking Boliek’s teaching certificate in the state, reinforcing the necessity for a culture of respect, integrity, and accountability among its employees. The board members recognized the significant role educators play in shaping young minds and fostering a supportive learning environment.
In the backdrop of this incident, Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative figure, co-founding the organization Turning Point USA and closely aligning himself with former President Donald Trump. At just 31 years old, Kirk left behind a wife and two young children at the time of his tragic death.
Summary of Events
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inappropriate Post Made by Boliek | September 10, 2023 | Comments on Charlie Kirk’s death |
| Investigation Commenced | September 11, 2023 | Boliek placed on administrative leave |
| Termination of Employment | Post Investigation | Dismissing Boliek for inconsistent message with district standards |
| Recommendation to Revoke Teaching Certificate | Announced | Greenville County School Board’s plans to prevent future incidents |
Background Information
This incident highlights the importance of the role teachers play in education and the impact their words can have on young peoples’ outlooks and beliefs. The school district aims to maintain a level of professionalism within its staff while ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for students. Following Boliek’s dismissal, community members and officials alike have reaffirmed their dedication to upholding these values in the educational system.
FAQ Section
What led to the dismissal of Wynne Boliek from Greenville County School District?
Wynne Boliek was dismissed due to an inappropriate social media post he made about the death of Charlie Kirk, which was deemed inconsistent with the professional standards expected of educators.
What actions did the school district take after Boliek’s post?
The district placed him on administrative leave pending an investigation and subsequently terminated his employment after confirming he authored the post.
What further consequences may Boliek face?
The Greenville County School Board has plans to recommend the revocation of Boliek’s teaching certificate in the state to prevent him from working in education in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- KKTV News
- WSPA News
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Google Search: Greenville County School District
- Google Scholar: Teacher Professionalism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Charlie Kirk
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