Following the suspension of a Neil Armstrong Middle School teacher over remarks made on social media about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Forest Grove School District Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West issued a letter to district families. Read the full letter below.
Dear Forest Grove School District Families,
This is not the message I intended to write this week. However, I must address an issue that has caused deep concern in our community.
A staff member at Neil Armstrong Middle School posted an insensitive response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk on their personal social media account. That post was later reposted to the Forest Grove Community Facebook page. Many of you contacted us to share your concern about this post.
Let me be clear: the Forest Grove School District does not condone violence of any kind. The political violence that has escalated in our country is both unnecessary and unrepresentative of who we are and who we aspire to be. We also do not condone the celebration of violence. Violence always leaves victims behind, and showing insensitivity to those victims is unacceptable and contrary to the values we uphold as educators and community members.
This moment also speaks of something larger: the importance of how we treat and communicate with one another—especially when we disagree. Respectful dialogue, including respectful disagreement, is essential to our ability to live, learn, and work together as a community.
We recognize the harm caused by our staff member’s post and we are taking the situation seriously. Consistent with our policies, we have placed this staff member on paid administrative leave and we are conducting an investigation. We are committed to keeping families informed as the process moves forward.
Even as we address this difficult situation, our focus remains where it must be—on students. We intend to ensure that school days continue without interruption, filled with rigorous learning, meaningful social opportunities, and welcoming environments where every child feels they belong.
We will update you at the conclusion of the investigation. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and schools.
With care, Dr. Suzanne West Superintendent Forest Grove School District
