Former Georgia Teacher Settles Lawsuit Over Controversial Comments

Former Georgia teacher, Michelle Mickens, concluded her lawsuit with the Oglethorpe County School District. Mickens alleged unfair treatment after sharing quotes about Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, following his assassination.

In October, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a lawsuit on Mickens’ behalf. She had been placed on leave and reportedly encouraged to resign due to controversial comments on her private Facebook page in September.

I think it’s worth it. I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.

The statement sparked significant backlash. Mickens later engaged in a discussion with a Facebook friend who disagreed with her views, where she stated that the world was “safer” without Kirk.

She clarified, “I don’t condone violence of any kind, and I certainly don’t condone this, but he was a horrible person, a fascist full of hate for anyone who was different.” Mickens further added that she hoped without Kirk’s influence, society might show greater kindness and tolerance.

Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Following the spread of Mickens’ post by a former classmate, she was summoned to address a complaint. Initially advised to delete the post and apologize, she was later instructed to stay home, losing access to her school emails.

Records from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reveal Mickens received about $270,420 for “alleged emotional distress” and $17,080 for legal fees. She also agreed not to seek employment with the district again.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Oglethorpe County School District and SPLC for their perspectives. SPLC senior supervising attorney, Sam Boyd, stated, “We are pleased to reach a mutually amicable settlement of this matter. As courts have recognized, public school employees have a constitutionally protected right to free speech.”

In the days succeeding Kirk’s assassination, several teachers faced suspension or termination due to social media comments justifying or celebrating his death. Some educators were reinstated after controversial statements or lawsuits.