Battle Ground Teacher Reinstated After Union Refutes Allegations of Charlie Kirk Comments

Battle Ground Teacher Reinstated After Investigation Finds False Allegations

A Battle Ground, Oregon teacher has returned to the classroom after being exonerated of making inappropriate comments about political commentator Charlie Kirk, according to the local educators’ union.

Amanda Gonzales, who was fired in October following allegations that she made negative remarks about Kirk on the day of his death, has been reinstated to her position after a statutory hearing determined the accusations against her were not grounds for termination.

The Battle Ground Education Association (BGEA) stated that false claims were made against Gonzales by a student, whose mother subsequently shared the allegations on social media, causing the incident to gain significant attention online. The district issued Gonzales a letter of probable cause for termination before the full facts were established.

“We are relieved that Amanda will be returning to her students,” said BGEA President Mary Mendoza-Haensel. “This outcome shows why due process matters — not just for educators, but for the stability and trust our students and families rely on.”

Battle Ground Public Schools has provided mixed messages about the case. In its initial statement to KOIN 6 News, the district made no mention of false allegations, stating only that they had investigated “multiple complaints alleging that Ms. Gonzales made polarizing statements at school.” The district claimed it followed proper procedures in its investigation after receiving these complaints.

When pressed further by reporters, a district spokesperson acknowledged that “the district investigation found one statement made by a student and attributed to Ms. Gonzales to be unsubstantiated.” However, the spokesperson maintained that the district’s decision to terminate Gonzales was based on “multiple substantiated student statements attributing other polarizing comments and conduct” to her.

The case highlights growing tensions in American education around classroom discussions of political topics. In an increasingly polarized environment, teachers often find themselves navigating difficult terrain when current events arise in classroom settings.

During the hearing to determine her employment status, student witnesses testified that Gonzales’ conduct allegedly made them feel “angry and uncomfortable.” Despite these testimonies, the hearing officer ultimately ruled in Gonzales’ favor, concluding that the reported conduct did not justify termination.

Following the controversy, fellow students came to Gonzales’ defense, praising her for creating a supportive classroom environment, according to the union.

“As educators, we are committed to creating classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to think critically,” Gonzales said after her reinstatement. “We need to have professional protections that allow us to do our jobs without fear of premature discipline.”

The BGEA is now calling on Battle Ground Public Schools to strengthen its investigative procedures and reaffirm its commitment to transparency in similar situations. The union’s advocacy underscores the importance of due process protections for educators, especially in cases where allegations may be amplified through social media before being fully investigated.

The case raises important questions about how school districts respond to complaints in the social media era, where allegations can quickly spread and potentially damage reputations before facts are verified.

Battle Ground Public Schools has stated it “will continue to enforce district policies and will continue to take student and parent concerns seriously.” However, the district now faces scrutiny over its handling of the investigation and its decision to terminate Gonzales before the statutory hearing process was complete.

This incident joins a growing number of cases nationwide where teachers have faced disciplinary action related to perceived political commentary in the classroom, reflecting broader societal debates about education, free speech, and the appropriate boundaries for discussing controversial topics in school settings.