Greenville, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Wynne Boliek, a teacher at Southside High School in Greenville, has been terminated due to an inappropriate social media post following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The post raised concerns about professionalism, suggesting America was ‘greater’ after Kirk’s death. Following an investigation, which confirmed Boliek’s authorship of the post, the school district emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards among staff. Political figures expressed outrage, reinforcing accountability among educators for their conduct.
Greenville, South Carolina – Teacher Terminated After Inappropriate Social Media Post
Wynne Boliek, a teacher at Southside High School, has been fired from his position in Greenville County Schools due to an inappropriate social media post following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The controversial message was made public on September 10 and raised significant concerns regarding professionalism among school staff.
The post expressed condolences for Kirk’s children, but it also controversially suggested that America became “greater” after his death. Following complaints, the district put Boliek on administrative leave while an investigation was conducted. The investigation confirmed the post was indeed authored by Boliek, leading to his termination.
The Greenville County Schools district emphasized the need for professionalism among its staff members. In a statement, the administration expressed that such sentiments do not align with the standards expected of employees. Boliek, who previously taught world history, civics, and government/economics, faced backlash not only from the school district but also from prominent political figures.
Republican gubernatorial candidates and members of Congress criticized Boliek’s statement publicly. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace condemned the post as disgusting, acknowledging the district’s prompt action against Boliek. Similarly, U.S. Representative William Timmons noted that public school teachers must be accountable for making unprofessional remarks. Additionally, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus and various state legislators called for Boliek’s dismissal and encouraged parents to express their concerns at school board meetings.
The Greenville County Schools’ code of ethics mandates that all employees serve as positive role models and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Violations of this code can lead to termination when actions are deemed unprofessional or hinder a teacher’s ability to perform their duties effectively.
While the district took swift action against Boliek, it did not provide clarity on whether guidance regarding discussions on political violence with students had been communicated to teachers. As of now, the inflammatory post is no longer visible on Boliek’s Facebook account.
The tragic incident that led to Boliek’s post involved the shooting of Charlie Kirk, which occurred on a college campus in Utah. This event drew widespread attention among students and educators, elevating the sensitivity of related discussions in educational settings.
Background on the Incident
The shooting of Charlie Kirk has raised broader discussions about political violence and its implications in American society. As a figure who engaged in conservative activism, Kirk’s death sparked various reactions, many of which were shared across social media platforms. Boliek’s post appeared amidst this charged atmosphere, prompting rapid responses from different political factions, underscoring the divide in public opinion regarding issues of political speech and responsibility.
Conclusion
Boliek’s termination serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on educators and the consequences of inappropriate conduct. As educational institutions navigate the complexities of political discourse and its impact on students, the focus on maintaining a professional environment remains crucial.
FAQ
What was the reason for Wynne Boliek’s termination?
Wynne Boliek was terminated after posting an inappropriate message on social media shortly after the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which was deemed unprofessional and inconsistent with the school’s expectations of conduct.
What did the controversial post say?
The post expressed condolences for Charlie Kirk’s children but controversially stated that America became “greater” after Kirk’s death.
What actions did the Greenville County Schools take in response to the post?
After being made aware of the post, the district placed Boliek on administrative leave pending an investigation, which subsequently led to his termination upon confirmation that he authored the post.
How did political figures react to the post?
Several Republican candidates and members of Congress condemned Boliek’s message, calling it disgusting and emphasizing that public school teachers should be held accountable for inappropriate conduct.
What guidelines does the school district have regarding employee conduct?
The Greenville County Schools’ code of ethics requires employees to serve as positive role models and to maintain a high standard of personal conduct, with actions that violate these principles potentially leading to termination.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee | Wynne Boliek |
| School | Southside High School, Greenville County |
| Posted | September 10 |
| Reason for Termination | Inappropriate social media post |
| Content of Post | Condolences for Kirk’s children and stating America became “greater” after Kirk’s death |
| Political Response | Condemnation from Republican figures and calls for accountability |
| Code of Ethics | Employees are required to maintain professionalism and serve as positive role models |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Upstate Teacher Leave
- Greenville Online: Greenville Teacher Leave Investigation
- WSPA: Upstate Teacher Place on Leave
- WLBT: Greenville County Teacher No Longer with District
- Post and Courier: Greenville County Teacher Facebook Post
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Google Search: Wynne Boliek
- Google Scholar: Political Violence Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Violence
- Google News: Charlie Kirk Shooting
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.
