EUGENE, Ore. — A Marist Catholic High School teacher was removed from his position this week after allegedly making comments against conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to a letter parents say was sent to them by the school.
That letter was sent Tuesday, and states the teacher “will no longer be teaching at Marist Catholic High School.”
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Students on campus Friday, ahead of planned walkout, said the teacher made disparaging comments about Kirk, who was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University Sept. 10.
Senior Zeke Crockett says the teacher was beloved by students, and knows them all by name.
“He really tried to make an effort to make everybody feel included, and he really pushed for everybody to come together. There is time and place that needs to be involved for very controversial issues, but I think Marist’s administration just went, really, too far. It’s different, especially at Marist, because it is a private school, so that they might have a little bit more ability to do things like this. But I’m not sure for the future of the country about freedom of speech,” Crockett said.
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The letter, which the school declined to confirm it sent out but was shown to KVAL/KMTR by parents, also states a substitute teacher would fill in for the teacher’s classes for the rest of the week, asking parents for patience as they finalize a plan for coverage over the remainder of the school year.
We reached out to Principal Bob Fraley for comment, but he said due to school policy, he is unable to speak on personnel matters.