Op-ed: In the wake of violence, threats to teachers are also threats to NC public schools

This op-ed was originally published in the Charlotte Observer.

As a teacher, I believe classrooms are safe havens for our children to learn, dream, and grow without fear. That’s why it has been deeply disturbing that in recent weeks, instead of uniting around how to keep schools safe, opponents of public education have chosen to exploit recent acts of violence — both here in North Carolina and across the country — to sow division and fear. 

Rather than focusing on healing and preventing future violence, some voices have been using these horrific events to spread fear, intimidate educators, and even threaten our livelihoods. Unfortunately, many schools and school districts across North Carolina have buckled to political threats by firing school staff or placing them on leave for exercising their freedom of speech by commenting on social media about these events — including incidents in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.

Let me be clear: threats against teachers are consequential to our children. They undermine the trust and stability students need to learn. No educator should ever face harassment, violence or doxxing, the sharing of private information for intimidation, for doing their job, and no student should ever sit in a classroom clouded by fear. 

This is not an isolated moment. Across the nation, we are seeing a playbook in action. Billionaires and their political allies have spent years working to undermine trust in public schools as part of a long-term effort to privatize education and weaken our democracy. They’ve complained about the curriculum and banned library books. They’ve tried to quash the teaching of history and block discussions of diversity in classrooms. They’ve called our schools “broken” while spending millions in taxpayer dollars to subsidize wealthy families’ private school tuition. When they stir up outrage against teachers and public schools, it is not about helping children; it is about profit and power.

Educators are not political pawns. We are teachers, coaches, mentors, role models and professionals committed to helping every child reach their potential. Like you, we are neighbors, parents and citizens, and we have the same rights to speak freely about issues that affect our communities as every other American, guaranteed by the First Amendment. 

Educators cannot be silenced or fired for lawful speech except in very narrow circumstances. In nearly every case where educators have been targeted, their speech is protected. And we are grateful to the many superintendents and school boards who have stood up for their employees when attacks come. 

Unfortunately, while some sow division, our students pay the price. North Carolina already faces a severe teacher shortage. Political attacks that vilify educators only make the problem worse by driving talented teachers out of the classroom. When educators leave, students lose mentors, class sizes grow and the stability children need to thrive disappears. Parents understand this better than anyone. They know the difference a strong teacher makes in their children’s lives. And they know that threats and division will not raise test scores, improve graduation rates or help children succeed. 

The people of North Carolina are not fooled. The vast majority of us want the same thing: strong public schools where every child, no matter their background, has the chance to learn and grow. Division is a distraction from that goal. Those who benefit from chaos aren’t concerned with your child’s future. But we are.

That’s why I am calling on every leader in this state — school board members, superintendents, legislators and elected officials at every level — to reject threats and intimidation in all forms. Leaders must defend the safety, dignity and rights of the educators who serve our students every single day. We cannot allow fear to dictate the direction of our schools. 

We cannot allow billionaire-funded campaigns of division to rob our children of the education they deserve. And we cannot allow a hostile environment to drive away the very people who dedicate their lives to teaching the next generation. 

Instead, let’s turn the page. Let’s stand together — parents, teachers, and communities — for safe, supportive and well-funded public schools. That is how we honor our American values of liberty and democracy. That is how we secure the future our children deserve.