OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa art teacher fired this week for posting “1 Nazi down” on social media after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now suing the district over the termination.
Matthew Kargol filed a federal lawsuit against the Oskaloosa Community School District & Oskaloosa Superintendent Michael Fisher.
Kargol argues the post was a hyperbole on a widely reported national event, that he made the post on his personal account off duty, and that his account does not advertise he is a teacher at the district.
The suit claims the post did not impact his teaching environment and that the school wrongly fired him over his opinion on political issues.
“By terminating Mr. Kargol’s employment for the content of his speech, Defendants wielded state power to punish a citizen for expressing his opinion on political issues,” the suit reads. “Their actions strike at the heart of the First Amendment and chill the exercise of constitutional rights. “
The suit also alleges Superintendent Fisher was in the wrong, arguing that in media interviews Fisher made it clear “his condemnation was rooted in his personal beliefs, not in evidence of disruption.”
The suit is asking for undisclosed amount in damages, attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses.