LINCOLN CITY — Hundreds of people across the nation from TV host Jimmy Kimmell to three college professors at Clemson U. have resigned or been fired over pitiless public reactions to the recent assassination of conservative icon Charlie Kirk.

The turmoil reached Lincoln County last week as a score of parents and supporters of Taft High School demanded the discipline or dismissal of history teacher Trent Adams, who posted a coldhearted remark about Kirk. To one writer’s plea on Facebook to end “senseless violence” came the educator’s callous response: “He did deserve to die, he was a fascist.”

The remark unleashed a cascade of comments, mostly disgusted though a few defended the distasteful and inaccurate remark. A woman claiming to be the mother of one of his students wrote, “So is a teacher going around saying that another human being ‘deserved to die’ just because he has different political views than him something that is considered ok or acceptable? Especially by someone who is teaching our kids?”

School officials were restrained at the outcry. Lincoln Co. School District spokesperson Susan Schuytema confirmed the teacher in question was employed by the district, saying, “We don’t comment on personnel issues, and will have nothing else to say about this.” North County school board member Mitch Parsons added, “All I can currently say is Trent Adams is on administrative leave pending further investigation.”

Christopher Donner, a Lincoln City business owner, said he spoke with Taft High’s principal, who reportedly defended the statement as an example of free speech on a private forum.

“By the end of our meeting…he started to understand where I’m coming from,” Donner wrote on Facebook. “Saying you think someone deserved to be murdered because you don’t agree with their free speech is absolutely disgusting! He has absolutely no business being a teacher!”

On his Facebook page, Adams states, “Orange fascism must be destroyed.” In response, Lincoln Co. Republicans issued this statement on Sept. 16:

“Enough is enough. Reports that an educator in the Lincoln County School District celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death are beyond unacceptable. This is not just poor judgment — it’s a disgrace, and it has no place in our schools. Our teachers should be instilling respect, discipline, and love of country. Not hatred. Not political bias. And certainly not cheering political violence…If educators cannot rise above their personal politics, they do not belong in the classroom. Period.”

Businessman Jim Hoover, a keen observer of local politics, said the incident is a painful public relations blow for local schools just as property tax bills come due. About 75 percent of local taxes go to the $181.4 million LCSD budget.

“People are worried this aggressive polarization and Trump derangement are leaking into the classroom,” he said.

The uproar follows the unexpected opening of a seat on the school board after the resignation of Liz Martin of Zone 2, stretching from Agate Beach to Schooner Creek.

Perhaps a new board member could raise the relevant questions: What kind of history teacher is ignorant of the definition of “fascist?,” and why is LCSD hiring activists instead of academics?

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. The board will interview candidates during the regularly scheduled board work session on October 14, 2025 and then vote on and swear in the interim board member. Contact LCSD at 541-265-9211 for more information.