A teacher at Kennebunk High School has resigned following backlash from a controversial social media post regarding the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Richard Klatt, a health teacher, submitted his resignation to Superintendent Martin Grimm on October 1, 2023. Grimm confirmed the resignation on October 2, after Klatt briefly stepped away from his teaching duties.
The Regional School Unit 21 initiated an investigation into Klatt’s social media activity after his post gained significant attention. On September 11, Grimm communicated with the community, stating the district was actively reviewing the situation and considering appropriate next steps.
In the now-controversial post, Klatt, using the username “rickyklatt,” expressed that he “would not feel badly” about Kirk’s death, which occurred on September 10, 2023. Klatt’s remarks included claims that Kirk supported “active genocide” and was a proponent of “hate rhetoric and misinformation.” His post concluded with a stark statement: “Rest in hell, Charlie Kirk.”
Grimm addressed the seriousness of the situation in his communication to the district, emphasizing that the investigation was being handled with the utmost care. “While these situations require patience as we ensure a responsible outcome, please know that our work is deliberate and focused on upholding the standards of our community,” he stated.
The school district’s inquiry into Klatt’s actions reflects its commitment to maintaining community standards and managing personnel matters appropriately. Both Scott Tombleson, the principal of Kennebunk High School, and Matthew Stratford, chair of the RSU 21 School Board, refrained from commenting on the specifics of Klatt’s resignation, citing it as a personnel issue.
As the school community processes this incident, it highlights the broader implications of social media behavior among educators and the potential consequences that can arise from public statements. The resignation of Richard Klatt serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding free speech, responsibility, and the role of teachers in shaping community values.
