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4d ago

Texas Teachers Union Sues to Stop TEA Investigations Into Charlie Kirk Social Media Posts

Arguing the September directive chills protected off-duty speech, the union petitions a federal judge to halt the investigations.

Educators gather to rally in support of the "Educator's Bill of Rights" at the outdoor rotunda in the Texas Capitol Monday, March 17, 2025. Teachers met with lawmakers as a part of Texas American Federation of Teachers advocacy day, asking for reforms such as a defined work day, reliable pensions and an increase in state funding to public schools.
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A photo of Charlie Kirk is displayed during the vigil following the killing of the conservative activist at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Salt Lake City, UT.
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Overview

  • Texas AFT filed the federal lawsuit on Jan. 6 in Austin, challenging the Texas Education Agency and Commissioner Mike Morath over probes into educators’ posts about Charlie Kirk.
  • The suit seeks a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of the Sept. 12 directive, stopping ongoing cases, and requiring a retraction with new guidance to superintendents.
  • TEA says it received 354 complaints and that 95 remain under review, with hundreds dismissed or unsubstantiated; the agency reports no state-level discipline issued to date.
  • The complaint cites unnamed cases including a Houston-area teacher who was fired and San Antonio-area teachers under investigation, and it describes reprimands, administrative leave, doxxing, and threats.
  • Morath’s letter asked districts to report “reprehensible” posts as potential ethics violations, and state leaders warned incitement could lead to license suspension; TEA declined comment and no court ruling has been issued.