In the days following the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, backlash has been strong against a wide range of people: from those who celebrated his death openly, to those who examined some of his more divisive statements or areas of his character after his death. In two Lane County schools—Thurston High School and Marist Catholic High School—tensions surrounding Kirk’s death were even strong enough to boil over intro student walkouts, but for opposite reasons.
At Thurston, students held a walkout on Sep. 17 to protest comments that a teacher had made in response to Kirk’s death. Reposting a news story, the Thurston teacher commented “Good” in response. The student response was swift.

“Him saying ‘good’ kind of implies he would be OK with other murders and that makes students and other teachers feel unsafe,” Thurston student Trey Sonhill said in an interview with KVAL. He was joined by other students outside the building with protest signs and American flags asking for the removal of the teacher. At time of writing, the teacher’s name was still listed in the staff directory; though, the Springfield Public School District has not been entirely silent.

Thurston Walk Out


“The views expressed in the post do not reflect the values of SPS,” Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Todd Hamilton said in a press release. “While we cannot comment on individual personnel actions, know that we are taking this matter seriously.”
For Thurston, gun violence has a different meaning: In 1998, Thurston student Kip Kinkel shot and killed two students and wounded 25 more.
“Believing that murder is OK is not OK,” Thurston student Rowan Taylor said in an interview with KEZI. “There’s no place for that here.”
Days later, students at Marist held a walkout to protest the dismissal of theology teacher and track coach Jack Kiesiewetter over comments he made about Charlie Kirk following his death. Students in his class at the time of the incident claim Kiesiewetter said that Kirk “spread hate” and was also a “fascist.” Shortly after, he was removed from his position.
“As with any personnel matter, I am unable to share the specifics of this decision,” Marist Principal Bob Fraley wrote to students and their parents in Mr. Kiesiewetter’s class. To some students, Kiesiewetter’s sudden removal felt like a blow to the school community.
“He really tried to make an effort to make everybody feel included, and he really pushed for everybody to come together,” Marist senior Zeke Crockett said in an interview with KVAL. “He was a track coach, he was a teacher, and he had a great personality that made everyone feel more welcome.”
Since Kiesiewetter’s dismissal, a petition has been created asking for the reexamination of his firing that, at time of writing, has amassed 581 signatures. The petition’s creator, who has remained anonymous, also raised concerns that Marist’s actions were incongruent with Catholic teachings.
“It is surprising for Christian culture to exhibit a lack of forgiveness in this context, and even give a push to terminate Mr. Kiesewetter to an extent,” the petitioner wrote in a statement to KEZI.

Article by Oscar Guillemin