Kaukauna High School is seen Jan. 17, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A high school teacher in Kaukauna has been put on administrative leave due to a social media post he made in response to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner over the weekend.
U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, R-8th District, posted on Facebook a screenshot of the now-deleted X post made by Kaukauna High School social studies teacher Patrick Meyer.
Meyer’s post read, “I am not impressed with recent presidential assassins. It’s [expletive] embarrassing! Booth, Guiteau, Czolgosz, Oswald must all be spinning in their graves! MAGAA (make Americans great assassins again)! Sad!”
The Kaukauna Area School District released a statement Monday that says:
The Kaukauna Area School District has been made aware of a situation involving an employee’s social media post. The District has placed the employee on administrative leave and is taking additional action to review the matter in accordance with its policies and procedures. The Kaukauna Area School District is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, families, and staff, and unequivocally rejects any conduct, expression, or behavior that may encourage, condone, or promote violence in any form.
Community members expressed their concerns and opinions on the district’s Facebook page.
One comment reads, “He said what most people were thinking and freedom of opinion and speech is still a thing.”
Another said, “Freedom of opinion is one thing. Wishing someone was successful assassinating the President is a different thing entirely.”
Comments from the public continued at Monday night’s school board meeting in Kaukauna, which was moved from the board room to the library to ensure enough space. Parents who spoke at the meeting did so against Meyer.
“His comment was, ‘Make assassinations great again.’ What does this teach our kids? ‘If you disagree with someone, we should just kill them.’ Right?” said Jennifer Schaefer.
“P. Meyer’s comment was totally unacceptable. As a parent of Kaukauna graduates, I don’t care how good of a teacher that they thought he was or anybody here thinks he is. It’s totally unacceptable to make that type of comment,” said Naomi Dvorachek.
Students, both current and former, said just that — emphasizing Meyer is a good teacher.
“I’m not condoning the post made on X, but simply vouching for Patrick Meyer’s character. Mr. Meyer is a kind and dutiful teacher who values his students and fellow staff,” said Iris Bass, a Kaukauna High School senior.
Many of those who have spoken out against Meyer’s comments said they’re fearful he’s indoctrinating their children, but his students, past and present, have said that hasn’t been their experience.
“I really have a hard time remembering any instance of him doing something like that. He was always incredibly even keeled and very thoughtful,” said Logan Lamers from the Kaukauna High School class of 2014.
“I have nothing but good things to say about his teaching style. He taught us to do our own research, look at the facts,” said Connor Geenen, another 2014 graduate.
“If this school district or school board doesn’t do the right thing and fire him, there’s something very seriously wrong with all of you,” countered Dvorachek.
While the idea that Meyer be fired is necessary to some, it’s troubling to others.
“I have a four-year-old who goes to the elementary school down the street, and removing teachers like this really, really hurts me, because I want my daughter and my son to learn critical thinking skills. And without teachers like Mr. Meyer, they’re just not going to,” said Jacob Cash, a member of the class of 2014.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 11.
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