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MA Teachers Association Wants Educators Defended From Charlie Kirk Backlash
The Massachusetts Teachers Association defends educators' right to free speech amid disciplinary actions after controversial comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination, representing over 117,000 members.
- On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, representing more than 117,000 members, urged districts not to punish educators and called for partnership to defend against bullying, Page and McCarthy said.
- MTA leaders cited rising online harassment and threats after some educators posted messages appearing to celebrate Charlie Kirk's killing last week, urging protections for free speech and due process.
- Multiple Massachusetts districts—including Peabody Public Schools, Framingham Public Schools, Sharon, and Wachusett Regional School District—have suspended at least five educators, with two Peabody teachers on leave since last Friday and compiled lists growing to 66 names alongside about 600 petition signatures.
- MassGOP leaders condemned the union's stance, with Chair Amy Carnevale criticizing the MTA for defending educators posting threatening comments, while Gov. Maura Healey urged lower political temperatures and condemned violence on Wednesday.
- Legal experts warn that off-duty speech can be disciplined when it violates policies, especially if it involves threats or harassment, and institutions have acted against public employees for praising violence, reigniting debate on social media and political polarization.
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Massachusetts Teachers Association blasted for defensive reaction to Charlie Kirk’s murder
Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial candidates say public employees who appear to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s assassination should be fired, while Gov. Maura Healey called for the political temperature to be lowered. Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve, GOP candidates for governor, and Healey are making their stances after the Massachusetts Teachers Association defended educators who have been suspended for reacting positively on social media to…
·Boston, United States
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Union faces backlash for asking districts not to punish teachers for comments about Charlie Kirk
Some on the right have "grotesquely exploited the shooting death of Charlie Kirk to launch attacks against people commenting on this public figure’s beliefs and statements," the heads of the Massachusetts Teachers Association said.
·Springfield, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left2Leaning Right5Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center, 42% Right
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center, 42% of the sources lean Right
42% Right
L 16%
C 42%
R 42%
Factuality
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