Unit 40 School Board Issues Statement in Response to Social Media Post by Employee 

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The Unit 40 Board of Education issued a statement at Monday evening’s meeting related to a social media post by a district employee.

Some have seen the post as referring to the death of Charlie Kirk.

Unit 40 Board President Jill Wendling read a statement acknowledging that many in the community found the post deeply upsetting. Wendling also read that the incident occurred outside of work hours, on a personal account, and did not reference the school or District.

Wendling also read that constitutional protection does not equate to endorsement.

Here’s the statement:

Dear Members of the School Community,

On behalf of the board of education I would like to share the following information and appreciation for all involved in this recent situation.

Recent events have prompted strong reactions from some members of our District, particularly in response to a social media post made by a school employee which some have read as referring to the death of Charlie Kirk. We recognize that many in our community found the post deeply upsetting. We also understand the importance of addressing this moment with clarity, compassion and constitutional integrity.

As a public institution, we are bound by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The Supreme Court has long held that public employees retain the right to speak as private citizens on matters of public concern–even when that speech is controversial or unpopular.

So far, the facts indicate that the post in question, while brief and provocative, was made outside of work hours, on a personal account, and did not reference the school or District. Should additional facts surface later, we can revisit this incident. In the meantime, immediately consulted with the District’s legal counsel and with the known facts, we have been advised that under established legal precedent, including Pickering v. Board of Education and Connick v. Myers, such speech is protected and cannot be the basis for disciplinary action unless it causes substantial disruption to school operations.

That said, constitutional protection does not equate to endorsement. As educators and public servants, we hold ourselves to high standards of professionalism and empathy. We believe that public discourse–especially in times of grief or division–should be guided by civility, respect and a shared commitment to the dignity of all individuals. We ask this of our staff, our students, and our broader community.

We also acknowledge the pain that some may feel in response to this incident. Our schools are places of learning, growth, and belonging. We remain committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be expressed thoughtfully and where disagreement does not devolve into hostility.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for holding us accountable to both our constitutional obligations and our community values.