State Superintendent Warns Educators Over “Inappropriate” Social Media Posts

Photo of Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey at Richard Lindsey Arena on the Gadsden State Cherokee campus in Centre, Ala. Dr. Mackey delivered the keynote address to faculty and staff.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey has issued a stern warning to educators statewide, cautioning that “inappropriate” social media posts could result in investigations and disciplinary action.

In a letter sent to school superintendents Saturday, Mackey cited three “inexcusable” posts by teachers regarding the recent shooting death of Christian conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk.

“Almost immediately upon arriving home, I became aware of two inappropriate, reprehensible, and inexcusable social media posts regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Mackey wrote. “By the time I went to bed, I had received a third post.”

Mackey said such posts may violate the Alabama Administrative Code and the Educator Code of Ethics. He directed local school officials to report any similar incidents to the Alabama State Department of Education and to coordinate with legal counsel regarding potential disciplinary measures.

He also stressed that the department’s certification team will review each case. Teachers implicated have already been removed from their positions as a precaution.

“In my years as state superintendent, I have removed individuals from our profession and taken other disciplinary action to protect students and safeguard our profession,” Mackey said. “I will continue to do so and will not tolerate a small group of bad actors diminishing our calling or tarnishing our profession.”

While acknowledging educators’ constitutional right to free speech, Mackey emphasized that public servants must balance those rights with professional responsibilities.

“It is important for educators to recognize that while they are private citizens, they also serve in a public role,” he wrote. “Community standards and the impact on the learning environment all factor into how an educator’s social media activity is evaluated. Our goal is to help educators safeguard their careers by adhering to their school system’s social media policy while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.”

For more information, visit the Alabama State Board of Education.