Teacher Identified
The Cobb County School District has escalated disciplinary actions against several employees, including one formerly employed teacher, after social media posts celebrating or defending the death of Charlie Kirk, announcing that it “will not be moved” on maintaining standards of professionalism.
Among those impacted is Alexandra “Chef Alex” Lewallen, a Culinary Arts teacher at McEachern High School for about five years, who is no longer employed by the district following posts made on her private account.
What Happened & What Was Posted
Lewallen’s posts, from what Cobb Voice and others reviewed included statements such as:
“guess this was just the unfortunate result of protecting that oh so precious second amendment”
“Charlie Kirk was a racist, xenophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, sexist, white nationalist mouthpiece who made millions of dollars inciting hatred in this country.”
“whether it was his genocide denial, his transphobic tirades, his pushing for mass deportations, or his normalizing Trumpism, the man stood for nothing but hate.”
“I extend absolutely no empathy for people like that.”
These were shared from her personal account but became public when screenshots circulated.
An online Change.org petition titled “Justice for Chef Lew” (as of September 19, 2025) claims that Lewallen was fired unjustly, that her post was taken out of context, and that students at McEachern support her. The petition had gathered 805 signatures at the time this article was published.
Cobb District’s Position & Policy
Superintendent Chris Ragsdale has been particularly emphatic. He said the district “will not be moved” on upholding professionalism, regardless of political leanings or public pressure. He framed the issue as one of trust, safety, and maintaining the integrity of the classroom:
“There is no way that anyone in education can be seen by parents or staff members to condone … celebrating a school shooter and the murder of an innocent man on the school campus.”
Ragsdale also stressed that the decision is not political, but necessary to protect students, staff, and parents who expect their school system to operate on standards.
In a district press release titled “Cobb’s Response to Unacceptable Comments Made by Educators: Judgment, Professionalism, and Limiting Disruptions” (dated September 15, 2025), the district said:
“Professional educators are expected to exercise sound judgment and professionalism in and outside the classroom. Posts that celebrate or support the murder of an innocent person by a school shooter are unprofessional and disruptive to the school environment.”
All employees identified in similar posts have been placed on administrative leave, are no longer in classrooms or interacting with students or parents during the investigation. The district says it will take “appropriate personnel action” and has referred matters to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (which regulates teaching licenses) for further investigation.
The relevant district policies include:
- Social Media Rule / Employee Use of Social Media (IFBGC-R) — Cobb administrative rule which states that district employees must use social media in both professional and personal capacities with care, so as not to harm the reputation of themselves, their colleagues, or the district; personal social media content “may reflect poorly on the District … or wrongly appear to represent a District policy or opinion.”
- Employee Handbook & Ethics / Professional Standards — Employees are required to adhere to state ethics rules, to notify the district of conduct issues, and follow the Professional Standards Commission’s regulations. Unprofessional behavior that disrupts the work environment or undermines trust can lead to discipline
Free Speech vs. Professional Limits
Supporters of Lewallen argue her posts were private, personal speech, and protected by the First Amendment. However, legal experts and district policy make clear that free speech rights for public employees are not absolute:
- When speech significantly disrupts workplace operations, undermines trust, or threatens student safety or school integrity, a district has legal authority to take action.
- The district’s Social Media Rule (IFBGC-R) explicitly covers even personal account postings that harm the reputation of the district or appear to represent district policy.
- Also, Georgia teachers are subject to rules from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which can discipline or revoke teaching certificates in cases of misconduct.
Thus, while individuals have rights to personal opinions, once those cross certain lines of disruption, defamation, celebration of violence, or misrepresenting institutional positions, policy allows for suspension or termination.
Other Voices & Community Reaction
Jeff Hubbard, President of the Cobb County Association of Educators, emphasized that this is not a debate about silencing teachers, but about enforcing existing rules. From public remarks:
“We have good reason in policy, both district rules and state PSC rules, to expect behavior aligned with professionalism. Free speech doesn’t nullify those obligations.”
Andrew Cole, former Democratic candidate for Cobb School Board, stated:
“What worries me is not only whether her words are acceptable, but the precedent this sets: If speech of this kind is punished unevenly, or if private speech always becomes grounds for termination, then teachers will fear personal expression even off-duty.”
Local parents also weighed in. At a school board meeting, parent Michael Garza voiced that the district may be overreacting:
“We should be trying to bring our community together and we’re not doing that when we publicly chastise our teachers.”
Where Things Stand & What to Watch
- Lewallen is no longer employed with Cobb County Schools. District states two employees are no longer with the district among those making similar posts; fewer than 15 were placed on administrative leave.
- Investigations are ongoing: Cobb District is reviewing the social media posts, determining the extent of disruption, and coordinating with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
- The district says it will take “appropriate personnel action” once investigations conclude.
Policy Implications & The Larger Issue
This case underscores how Cobb County (and many school districts) interpret their social media and ethics rules to extend into teachers’ personal online behavior when it becomes public and causes disruption or risk to the educational environment. The district is making clear that word is not just “private” if it enters the public domain in a way that is harmful or perceived as supportive of violence.
For some in the community, this is seen as necessary accountability. For others, it’s viewed as chilling speech. The balance between protecting students, maintaining trust, and allowing free expression continues to be contested ground.
This is an evolving story please check with Cobb Voice for the latest developments.
