Overview

• The Massachusetts Teachers Association urged districts and public colleges to defend educators and avoid punitive actions tied to private social media reactions to Kirk’s death.
• American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts said it is alarming to penalize private speech on a public matter and affirmed that First Amendment protections apply to educators.
• Peabody confirmed two high school teachers are on leave, with additional actions reported in Framingham, Sharon, and the Wachusett Regional district.
• Ipswich placed a staff member on leave pending review, and a local petition had about 600 signatures urging reconsideration as of Wednesday.
• The Texas Education Agency said it received roughly 180 reports about posts appearing to celebrate Kirk’s death, prompting union criticism and cautionary guidance to members in El Paso.