BOSTON — The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is proving to be a watershed moment in employment law, crystalizing for employers the need for thoughtful, consistent social media policies while providing a rude awakening to employees who find their jobs in jeopardy because of posts their bosses deem as crossing the line of civil discourse.
While the nation’s attention has been focused on the travails of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who recently returned as host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following his suspension by ABC over his monologue in the wake of Kirk’s death, a number of employers and employees closer to home are facing the heat for ill-advised social media posts.
In Rhode Island, a Barrington High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave and now faces an investigation for his comments on the Kirk assassination. According to multiple news reports, the day after the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, the teacher posted a TikTok video in which he called Kirk “a piece of garbage,” concluding with “bye Charlie.”
Meanwhile, The Boston Globe has reported that at least six teachers and staff in Massachusetts schools have been placed on leave pending investigations into their social media posts.
Cambridge employment attorney David E. Belfort said the pressure on employers has been ratcheted up by heated rhetoric from political leaders and others.
He pointed to Vice President J.D. Vance’s comments when he guest-hosted Kirk’s radio show...
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