WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — An employee with Williamson County Schools has been suspended after making comments following the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, 31, was killed by a single shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. Kirk was taken in a private vehicle to the hospital where he died.

The district released a statement, which reads:

Over the weekend, the district was made aware of a concerning social media post made by an employee. This employee has been suspended pending investigation, which is standard procedure and follows State law requirements.

Expressions that glorify or trivialize violence, especially in moments of a national tragedy, are inappropriate and unacceptable. They do not reflect the values of Williamson County Schools and undermine the trust and unity we strive to build in our community.

District Superintendent Jason Golden also released a statement.

I wanted to reach out to address the tragic events that have occurred across our country and the world over the past few days and how we as professionals react and respond. Across the country, concerns are being expressed over recent comments and social media posts. We are hearing concerns, too.

During this emotionally heightened time, I want to remind you of what we teach our students: words matter. As you navigate through the remainder of the weekend and into next week, I ask you to pause before hitting "send" on an email or make a social media post regarding recent events.

Please recognize that this is a painful time for so many people, and professional teachers need to lead the way in empathy, compassion and decency in how we communicate. Think about how your word choice might affect others in this difficult national time, and as always, treat others how you would like to be treated.

Following Kirk's death, a member of Middle Tennessee State University‘s Office of Student Care and Conduct has been fired, two faculty members at East Tennessee State University have been suspended, and an employee of Metro Nashville dispatch has been put on administrative leave, all for social media posts related to Kirk’s death.

Neither the employee's school of employment or role was released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/williamson-county-school-employee-suspended-for-charlie-kirk-comments/