Michigan teacher claims he was fired for tweeting 'Trump is our president' and supporting reopening of schools
WALLED LAKE, MICHIGAN: A Michigan social studies teacher and baseball coach has shared that he had been fired this month after he tweeted: 'Donald Trump is our president'. The teacher says he was given a choice whether to quit or be fired. Justin Kucera, varsity baseball coach and history teacher at Walled Lake Western High School, Michigan, said he was summoned to a meeting with district officials after supporting Trump's initiative to reopen schools.
While speaking to Washington Free Beacon, Kucera said, "I was required to meet with [human resources], the superintendent, and my principal [on July 10]. They initially took my statement on why I tweeted those tweets and they told me they would have a decision about my future employment in the upcoming days."
"When they completed the meeting, I was told I had the option to either be fired or resign," Kucera continued. As per the publication, Kucera also took to Twitter to share, "I’m done being silent. @realDonaldTrump is our president. Don’t @ me."
Kucera told the Free Beacon that he while he is sorry for the negative attention brought on by the tweet, but not for what was said. "I know a lot of people are just rooting for Trump to fail, and I don't think that anybody should do that," Kucera said. "Agree with him or not, you should want the president to do well." The outlet said it spoke to students and parents who described Kucera as apolitical and supportive of students.
Many social media users seemed to support Kucera and said that he should not have been fired from his job. One such user wrote, "I didn't know you is a Trump supporter... I'm a little upset about it but I can't get mad at you in what you believe in. You're an amazing social study teacher and a great guy I wish you could understand but I can't push you. Love you Coach K."
"That does not change the fact that Trump (whom I despise) IS our President. The coach, also a Social Studies teacher who simply stated who the President is. No harm/no foul," wrote another.
There were some social media users who did slam Kucera for his tweet. One such user shared, "Come on kucera! As a social studies teacher, you should know just how much these past four years of his presidency has screwed up our economy in the long term! He has not created any long term jobs in the economy, the big border wall is only three miles long and has cost 11 billion." Another had commented, "And what will happen when the school goes bankrupt? The money that was set aside for education will be taken away and the students won’t be able to learn. And if you think that’s okay, then you’re a very messed up person."
On Tuesday, July, 21, the school district spoke to The Sun and released a statement. "As a matter of policy and practice, Walled Lake Schools does not comment on current and/or former employees as it relates to specific personnel issues," the statement revealed. "These are difficult times in our community and across our country. When issues arise there’s a temptation to view items through the lens of our fractured political discourse. Walled Lake encourages students and staff members to engage each other with mutual respect and civility."
"We believe in the power of education and critical thinking. We believe vigorous community discussion, done with civility and mutual respect leads to productive and innovative outcomes. In the Walled Lake Schools’ educational setting, we encourage positive discourse and working together to make decisions that benefit our community," the statement continued.