Teacher on leave after social media post sparks controversy
By Todd Magel
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OSKALOOSA, Iowa (KCCI) — An Oskaloosa High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave after a provocative social media post about the shooting death of Republican political activist Charlie Kirk caused disruption at the school.
Oskaloosa School Superintendent Mike Fisher said, “This has created substantial material disruption to our learning environment. The last 12 hours.”
Fisher confirmed that the trouble began late Wednesday afternoon when high school art teacher Matt Kargol posted on social media, saying “one nazi down,” in response to Kirk’s death, prompting complaints from upset residents.
Adam Fincher, an Oskaloosa resident, expressed his disapproval, saying, “To be able to post stuff like that is just inappropriate and not called for. Definitely shouldn’t have been done.”
Fisher, reflecting on the situation, said, “As a man of faith, it has just disappointed me as a society of how divided we’ve become. And regardless of what you believe, religion or ideology or who you vote for, can we just be kind to each other and our words and our actions?”
Attempts to contact Kargol for comment were unsuccessful. Despite the controversy, there has been no violence at the high school.
Jane Ryder, a close friend of Kargol, advocated for understanding, saying, “Matt shouldn’t have posted that, but he’s human and he makes mistakes. And if you look at his record through time as a friend and community member, we should take a little time and try to figure out that if we did something that was not the smartest thing in the world, would we want to be extended the same grace?”
Kargol remains on leave, with the school board set to determine his future. A special school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m.
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