Settlement Reached in Georgia Teacher’s Lawsuit Over Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
Michelle Mickens, a former teacher from Georgia, reached a settlement with the Oglethorpe County School District following a lawsuit concerning her remarks on Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, after his assassination.
In October, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed suit for Mickens, who had been placed on indefinite leave and urged to resign over controversial comments made on Facebook. Her initial post quoted Kirk saying, ‘It’s worth it, some gun deaths each year, to protect our Second Amendment rights.’
Comments Stir Reactions
Mickens engaged in a discussion on Facebook where she expressed that the world felt ‘safer’ without Kirk despite condemning violence. She described Kirk as a ‘horrible person’ and a ‘fascist with hate for those different from him.’
After a classmate circulated Mickens’ post on social media, she was summoned by school officials to discuss a complaint. Initially advised to delete the post and apologize, Mickens later found herself on leave with restricted access to school resources.
Settlement Details
Records show Mickens received approximately $270,420 for emotional distress and $17,080 for legal expenses. She also agreed not to seek future employment with the district.
The SPLC shared that the settlement acknowledged public school employees’ constitutional right to free speech, as observed in similar cases.
Reaction and Legal Context
Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, provoked controversy. Several teachers who posted about the incident faced suspensions or terminations. Some later regained their positions through legal challenges.
Sam Boyd, SPLC’s senior attorney, expressed satisfaction with the settlement outcome, underscoring judicial recognition of teachers’ free speech rights.
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