SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination has ignited a social media firestorm, with Governor Greg Abbott’s recent post on X drawing significant attention. Abbott called out an alleged anti-Kirk remark by a Seguin ISD teacher, stating that she is now under investigation by the Texas Education Agency. The district has not confirmed the teacher’s employment status.
The incident has raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and constitutional protections.
On Wednesday community members gathered for the 13th annual “A Conversation with the Constitution” to discuss these pressing issues.
Paul Martin, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of dialogue. “The way we communicate, is through conversation. And if we’re not communicating, then that’s when we get into trouble,” he said.
Martin added, “We have to hear what the other person says. Doesn’t mean we have to agree with it. We can state our position.”
Christopher Phillips, an author and educator, expressed concern over the diminishing respect for the Constitution. “It’s all about all people are created equal, but when we commit these acts of heinous violence, suddenly we are taking away the humanity of people, and that’s unspeakably awful,” he said. Phillips believes that face-to-face gatherings are more effective than social media for resolving disagreements.
Evangeline Davison, a junior at Great Hearts Monte Vista, shared her perspective: “I think that if we took a little bit more time to listen to people and listen to what people had to say, and people who actually really go through things and have been through a lot, that we would get a little farther if we just opened our ears more.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas also weighed in, stating that the growing pattern of disciplinary responses to speech across Texas is a threat to democracy. They urged Texas leaders and schools to uphold democratic values through respectful dialogue.