A teacher at Kennebunk High School has resigned after facing consequences related to a controversial social media post regarding the death of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Richard Klatt, who taught health at the school, submitted his resignation to Superintendent Martin Grimm on October 1, 2023, following a brief hiatus from his teaching duties. Superintendent Grimm acknowledged Klatt’s resignation the following day.
The resignation comes in the wake of an investigation by the RSU 21 School District into Klatt’s social media activity. On September 11, 2023, the district communicated with community members about the situation, stating they were “actively reviewing the matter and carefully considering next steps.” The post in question, attributed to a user named “rickyklatt,” drew significant attention and scrutiny from the district.
In a post reflecting on Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2023, Klatt expressed a lack of remorse, stating he “would not feel badly” about Kirk’s death. He characterized Kirk as someone who “openly supports active genocide” and labeled him as “racist” and “transphobic.” Klatt concluded his post with the message, “Rest in hell, Charlie Kirk.”
Grimm, in a letter addressing the situation, emphasized the district’s commitment to handling the matter seriously. He noted, “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.”
Both Superintendent Grimm and Matthew Stratford, Chair of the RSU 21 School Board, declined to comment further on Klatt’s resignation, citing its status as a personnel matter. Scott Tombleson, Principal of Kennebunk High School, echoed this stance and refrained from providing additional details.
The incident has sparked discussions within the community about the responsibilities of educators and the implications of their public statements on social media. As the district navigates the fallout, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact the school environment and the broader community.
