In a class project to identify their role models, students at Marshall Elementary School in Eureka, who first listed slain Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, then President Donald Trump, were lectured by classmates that their choices were unsuitable as heroes. Then it was suggested to the students not to tell their parents of the incident.
First reported by Nathan Moelker in an article on the website of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), guidance counselor Kacey Countryman assigned students a “Find Your Voice” project in which they would name their role models as part of their “Leader in Me” program to encourage responsibility, academic excellence and leadership. According to several students who witnessed the exchanges, Mrs. Countryman chided one student that Charlie Kirk was “not a hero”, and when another suggested the president, she instructed that no political or religious figures could be chosen as role models for the sixth graders. Athletes, entertainers, and other secular figures were accepted.
According to an analysis by ACLJ:
The cruel irony? An assignment titled “Find Your Voice” became a lesson in which voices would be silenced.
As parental criticism developed over the incident, Marshall Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter sent this email to parents in the Greenwood County community of 2,300:
Marshall Families,
As you may have heard, a student learning activity back in October led to some unintended confusion among our families. Our team is always working together on ways we can help ensure learning activities are a (sic) positive and encouraging experiences for every student.
All of us at Marshall Elementary are grateful to partner with you in your child’s learning. As a parent or guardian, we invite you to contact us directly any time you have concerns about your child’s experience at school. Working together, we can always find a solution.
Thank you for your partnership as we grow together in a community that values open communication, close family involvement, and care for one another.
Sincerely,
Stacy Coulter
Marshall Elementary
Parents weren’t confused; they were understandably outraged that an educator would inject her personal political opinion into an academic exercise. Coulter’s email didn’t even explain the issue, let alone apologize for the teacher’s inappropriate statement.
What’s more, she allegedly added to the controversy after sending the email when she addressed sixth graders and, according to multiple student reports, suggested that any concerns they have at school should first be reported to school officials, not their parents, as the school should also be considered their family.
We reached out to USD 389 Superintendent Scott Hoyt for comment on ACLJ’s reporting of the controversy and the incident itself. We received this statement, made available to all media:
We are aware of this incident and are always working with families and our school staff to make sure every learning activity is a positive and encouraging experience for every student.
We are unable to comment on the individuals involved because of our commitment to the privacy of our students and employees. This information is also protected by confidentiality laws. Thank you for your understanding.
Scott Hoyt
Superintendent
Eureka USD 389
Hoyt wasn’t asked to comment about any potential disciplinary action or provide any names. He could, however, have addressed whether the district has policies that protect elementary students from exposure to a staff member’s political viewpoints, or whether students should be told not to discuss concerns with their parents. There’s nothing private about that.
Last year, a Gardner-Edgerton teacher was allegedly suspended for comments made on social media about Charlie Kirk following his assassination.