An Oskaloosa High School teacher has been fired following a controversial social media post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The school board unanimously voted to terminate Matthew Kargol’s contract after he posted “One Nazi Down” on Facebook in response to Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
“I don’t believe there is any space for activism outside of caring for your students, newer textbooks, better school lunches. That’s the kind of activism we need to see from teachers, not ‘One Nazi Down,’” said Kyle Almond, an Oskaloosa community member.
Dozens of people were in attendance at the boards special session.
“This is a very unfortunate situation. I think it was a lapse in judgment, but unfortunately, words have consequences,” said James Feudner, another community member.
Kargol requested a closed session, so the meeting was not open for public comment. The board quickly moved into closed session and deliberated for more than an hour before inviting the public back in for the final vote. Superintendent Mike Fisher recommended Kargol’s termination following the post.
“I’m all about free speech, and I think that’s really proven in case law and other areas. But it’s also shown in much of the case law that when you have substantial material disruptions, it raises concern,” said Fisher.
He added that the board moved as quickly as possible while still respecting the rights of everyone involved. When asked whether the district expects a lawsuit following the board’s decision, Fisher said it’s “always a risk.”
Kargol is one of several educators nationwide facing consequences for social media posts celebrating or mocking Kirk’s death.
The Iowa’s Board of Regents has instructed public universities to investigate similar posts made by their employees.
Kargol was not present at the meeting.