A veteran Valparaiso High English teacher, whose personal social media comment after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was called by the school district an “objectionable post,” has resigned.
Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Jim McCall announced the resignation during Wednesday’s School Board meeting, just before the public was allowed to comment. About 60 people attended the meeting, which was moved to the high school auditorium.
McCall, after the meeting, wouldn’t comment further, citing confidentiality because it’s a personnel matter. He wouldn’t even mention her name. A job opening for a high school English teacher was posted on Tuesday.
Kathryn “Kat” Cichocki had taught for years at Valparaiso High, specializing in speech and drama. She also served as the technical director for the high school’s drama club. Cichocki could not be reached for comment.
The school district originally announced on Sept. 15 that it was reviewing what it called an “objectionable post,” which they said “does not reflect the values or mission of our district.” Cichocki’s post was made on a personal account during her own time
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, after Kirk’s killing, said the state would begin reviewing social media comments from educators and said the state had a right to suspend or revoke a license for K-12 teachers and administrators. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sent legal guidance to school superintendents and public university administrators, explaining they have authority consistent with the First Amendment to discipline or terminate educators who make public statements disruptive to school operations.
“When teachers or professors entrusted with shaping young minds cheer the violent death of a political figure, they forfeit the moral authority to stand in front of a classroom,” Rokita said in a news release.
Rokita, in his Eyes on Education online dashboard, had posted Cichocki’s social media comment, along with others considered objectionable after Kirk was killed on Sept. 10 on the Utah Valley University campus. A teacher at Westville Middle School in LaPorte County was no longer at her job after her social media remarks about Kirk triggered criticism.
Cichocki’s post featured a picture of the iconic actress Bette Davis with her quote: “One should only say good things about the dead….He’s dead. Good.”
Five speakers at the school board meeting defended the teacher, stating she had a First Amendment right to free speech. They questioned how the school administration handled the issue.
For James Manago, the teacher — he didn’t mention Cichocki’s name — was his “mentor” when he was a student at Valparaiso High 20 years ago.
“Her character, guidance and ability as an educator were unimpeachable at the time and remain so today,” Manago said.
Manago said that she had a right to free speech.
“Her beliefs and self-expression off the clock to her peers, regardless of what online zealots might suggest, harmed no one,” Manago said. “This district’s capitulation has robbed our students of a valued educator.”
Brett Miller said he was shaking his head over the situation, noting that teachers who had done far worse, including being arrested, were not disciplined as severely.
“For a teacher to have to resign for a social media post,” Miller said.
Miller said this teacher was the type of person he would want in the classroom, challenging and debating with students.
George Terrell said that it is clear that the teacher was forced out and that her First Amendment right to free speech was violated.
“I think what has happened here is appalling,” Terrell said, imploring the school board and administration to make this situation right.
The lone speaker to support the school administration’s handling of the situation was Andrew Karr.
Karr said he was “happy” the teacher was removed in this case.
“I am concerned that you cannot have free speech if you tolerate the kind of speech that was exercised by this individual,” Karr said.
At the meeting’s close, School Board member John Peluso noted that the legal procedure is that the administration handles personnel matters.
Peluso said that he understands that the past two weeks have been “incredibly difficult” for every single teacher in the district. He said he believes that teachers should understand the community is supportive and appreciates its teachers.
School Board President Erica Watkins said that it’s OK to have a debate and uncomfortable conversations, but it’s important to respect one another.
“I want to caution all of us in hope that we really begin to listen to one another regardless of our faith, regardless of our political affiliations, regardless of the color of our skin, regardless of those things that we will begin to see each other for who we really are,” Watkins said.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
