In the wake of the killing of Charlie Kirk, an organized political effort has emerged that involves mining social media for statements about the killing and demanding that state employees be fired or face other disciplinary action because of their speech.
The ACLU of Alabama strongly condemns politically motivated violence. Unfortunately, we have been reminded multiple times this year that these killings have tragic consequences for families and communities. They also endanger the free and democratic exchange of ideas.
To protect that same free exchange, the ACLU of Alabama also condemns the targeted harassment of teachers, professors, and other public servants for political statements that they publish in their personal capacity. Our state cannot and should not respond to violence by infringing upon the free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Since the killing of Kirk, Alabamians from across the political spectrum have offered their thoughts, remembrances, and analyses of Kirk’s career. In response, some of the state’s most powerful politicians have used their influence and platforms to call for the firing of public educators whose statements offended their sensibilities.
For example, State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey sent a memo to local school leaders this past weekend threatening that certain posts by Alabama teachers “could constitute a violation of our Alabama Administrative Code and the Educator Code of Ethics as well as other provisions of law.”
However, even in politically charged moments like this one, we must protect the First Amendment rights of all Alabamians. Core political speech is worth defending, even when it is controversial, and the ACLU of Alabama remains steadfast in its 60-year commitment to defending free speech in our state.
If you believe that your free speech rights have been violated, sharing your experience can help shape and guide the work of the ACLU of Alabama. For more information and a list of legal resources, visit https://www.aclualabama.org/en/get-help
