Georgia teacher sues district over Charlie Kirk social media punishment
Michelle Mickens, a Georgia teacher and former finalist for Teacher of the Year, filed a federal lawsuit against her school district, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated after she posted a quote supporting gun rights following Charlie Kirk's death. She was placed on leave and threatened with termination, despite her post not mentioning her school or students, and similar support from other staff not being punished. The lawsuit, supported by SPLC and GAE, argues her censorship was unconstitutional and highlights ongoing issues of political expression and retaliation against educators.