Thurston High School students walked out of their classrooms Sept. 17, protesting a social media post made by a school employee about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The subsequent discourse on social media has caused a flurry of firings and leave placements. According to NPR, more than 30 individuals have been disciplined or fired under such circumstances, the majority of whom are educators.
According to Springfield Public Schools Director of Communications Brian Richardson, the district is aware of the post. He said district staff have received numerous questions and comments from community members about the situation.
“We encourage conversation from folks,” Richardson told The Register-Guard. “As people have been emailing, we continue to respond.”
Students and others wave flags and signs in front of Thurston High School in Springfield during a walkout Sept. 17, 2025.
He said SPS has been directing much of this communication to THS Principal Kimberlee Pelster, who has been responsive to student and parent questions.
This is the second Lane County educator who has come under acute scrutiny for posting about Kirk’s death. Last week, a Pleasant Hill School District employee was placed on paid administrative leave.
Richardson did not say if the school is conducting an investigation or whether the employee has been put on leave. An emailed statement from the district said, however, it is taking the matter seriously.
“As a public school district, we’re committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students, staff, and families,” the email stated. “We expect all employees to uphold professional standards in their conduct, both in and out of school. We will continue to focus on supporting our students and delivering the high-quality education our students and community deserve.”
Why did Thurston students gather outside the high school?
According to student protesters, at least 300 students participated in the walkout, but some returned to their classes later in the day.
As of 2 p.m., about 50 people were standing on both sides of the road near the entrance of the high school. They could be seen waving American flags and holding signs denouncing Kirk’s murder.
Jerry Miller, a junior at THS, said he and other students were trying to get the employee fired.
“The principal of Thurston said they can’t let us know what disciplinary actions they’re going to be taking,” Miller said. “So, we’re protesting because we don’t feel safe with (the employee) at this school.”
Miller said he had not had any classes with the employee.
Students and others wave flags and signs in front of Thurston High School in Springfield during a walkout Sept. 17, 2025.
“We always respect students and their want to express different views,” Richardson told The Register-Guard. “We ask that they do it safely and we ask they do it respectfully.”
He added any classes missed will be counted as unexcused absences, and the students will be required to make up any work they missed.
This isn’t the only local demonstration showing support for Kirk. On Sept. 13, hundreds marched from Alton Baker Park to University of Oregon for a vigil.
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Springfield educator’s post about Charlie Kirk death sparks protest
