Spring Cove teacher faces backlash over Facebook comment on Kirk assassination

Parker criticized for Facebook comment on Kirk assassination

A Spring Cove faculty member is currently facing backlash after posting a Facebook comment regarding the assassination Wednesday of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

High school music teacher Janelle Parker said she is not "shedding a tear" after Kirk's assassination on Wednesday, writing that she has "never felt this negative about America and our jackass leader."

"Kirk was a powerful, outspoken conservative who held the opposite belief I have about humans and how they should be treated," she commented. "You reap what you sow."

As a result, Alyssa McGregor, who is running for a position on the school board, started a change.org petition calling on Spring Cove board members to "issue an appropriate determination of discipline removal, up to and including removal, consistent with district policy, contract provisions and state law."

The petition currently has more than 400 signatures.

It was signed by Erika Smith and Jason Rhykerd, who also are running for school board.

Superintendent Besty Baker said Thursday morning, "We are aware of the post and certainly understand the concern. The tragic loss of any life is deeply saddening."

"Although we are not able to comment on a personnel matter, I can assure you that the posted comments do not reflect the sentiment of the Spring Cove School District, and the matter is being investigated."

This is not the first time the district has dealt with controversy over employee speech.

In 2019, former Central High School basketball coach Reggie Nevins, upset over a quick turnaround between games from playing Thursday and then again on the following Sunday night, stuck up for the kids and accused District 6 of not caring.

His comments criticizing District 6 upset Spring Cove officials and he was subsequently suspended from all activities, including his position as assistant baseball coach. He was met with an outpouring of community support and reinstated in time to help coach the baseball team in its last game of the season. Nevins was invited to reapply for the basketball job, but chose not to do so.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.