Students Speak Up For Oak Forest HS Teacher Under Scrutiny For Charlie Kirk Post

OAK FOREST, IL — Students have started a petition in support of an Oak Forest High School teacher under scrutiny for a social media post made after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The petition—hosted on Change.org—has received nearly 1,000 signatures from students past and present in support of English teacher Laurie Genardo.

At issue is a social media post by Genardo, made following the shooting death of popular conservative activist Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. A 22-year-old Utah man has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Genardo's post commented on the fatal shooting of Kirk as an example of, "you reap what you sow," referring to what many have called the activist's divisive presence in the political sphere. It read:

When Kirk made his comment about the necessity of gun deaths to protect the 2nd Amendment, did he consider Uvalde and the 13 beautiful children and 2 teachers who were killed? Did he care about Pulse Nightclub? How about Virginia Tech or Sandy Hook? He perpetuated and openly encouraged gun violence only to pander to his hard right audience. Words have consequences and actions often have mind-blowing irony. This is the single best example of you reap what you sow.

Laurie Genardo's Facebook post

Bremen District 228 on Monday said it was in the early stages of an internal investigation into the matter. It was unclear on Wednesday if that investigation is still ongoing. When asked for clarity on its status, District 228 Public Relations Specialist Yasmeen Sheikah declined further comment.

"Mrs. Genardo remains employed as an English teacher at Oak Forest High School," reads the statement from Bremen District 228 administration. "We will not be making any further public statements regarding Mrs. Genardo at this time. We will continue to work with all our students and families and remain committed to providing a welcoming and positive working environment for all of our staff and students."

After being absent from the classroom Tuesday and Wednesday, Genardo returned on Thursday.

Some parents since have called for answers and more transparency from the district regarding any action surrounding Genardo.

Others are rising in support of the longtime teacher. Oak Forest High School alumna Alyssa Braun created the petition on Monday, and as of Friday, it was still receiving signatures.

RELATED

• Amid Controversy Over Oak Forest HS Teacher's Charlie Kirk Post, Parents Demand Transparency
• Oak Forest HS Teacher In Probe Over Charlie Kirk Post Still On-Staff: Bremen District 228
• Oak Forest HS Teacher Under Internal Investigation For Social Media Post About Charlie Kirk's Death

"We, the undersigned, stand in strong support of Mrs. Laurie Genardo, a valued educator who has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students," the petition reads.

"As a teacher, Mrs. Genardo created a classroom environment that was safe, respectful, and inspiring. She encouraged students to think critically, engage in meaningful dialogue, and respect different perspectives. Beyond academics, she has been a mentor and role model, helping students grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals."

Genardo, the petition states, "is also a strong advocate for equality, women’s rights, and human rights.

"Recent concerns regarding a personal social media post have put her career under review. However, those of us who know her best—her students and community—can attest that her classroom has always been a place of professionalism, integrity, and respect. We believe her words carried no malicious intent and should not outweigh the years of dedication and positive influence she has brought to her students and the school community."

Separately, alumni like Janet Allen also wrote the board of education on Genardo's behalf. Allen detailed her experiences in high school, attributing them as "guided in part by Mrs. Laurie Genardo," and asserting her time there "gave me not only an education but also a foundation of confidence, courage, and character that I have carried into every chapter of my life."

Allen went on to become a high school English teacher before leaving the profession in 2022, she wrote, as she was "disheartened by the rising tide of censorship, the denial of teacher expertise, and the theft of professional autonomy.

"I share this because I know what excellent teaching looks like, and Mrs. Genardo has always embodied it," the letter reads. "That is why I am devastated to see my alma mater—an institution I have always been so proud to claim—turn its back on the very mission and vision it holds forth."

Your mission calls for cultivating knowledge, skills, and character in a supportive environment focused on equity and excellence. Your vision aspires to be a model of equity and excellence, preparing students for their futures through rigorous and balanced instruction. Investigating Mrs. Genardo for stating factual, if uncomfortable, truths undermines those goals. It teaches students not to think critically or speak courageously, but instead to stay silent out of fear.

Janet Allen
OFHS Class of '99, in a letter to D228 administration

On Braun's petition, signees also shared their personal accounts of Genardo's leadership.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the education, coaching, and support I received from Laurie Genardo," one wrote. "I am forever grateful to have had Laurie as both a teacher and a coach, and I cannot imagine what my high school days would have been like if not for her guidance. I can only hope that future students are not denied that same privilege."

"Mrs. Genardo was one of the very few teachers at OFHS who supported me and made me feel comfortable in my skin and as a human," shared another. "On top of being an amazing person, she is an incredible teacher who took time to assist students."

"Laurie Genardo was my English teacher for two of my four years at OFHS," said another. "She was one of my favorite teachers and taught her students to think CRITICALLY about texts and words. She was and remains one of my favorite teachers, and she doesn't need or deserve any investigation. To lose her would be devastating to OFHS and the Oak Forest community."

"As an English teacher, Mrs. Genardo teaches students to evaluate texts and think critically," said another. "As one of her former students, I am blessed to have the ability to read, understand, and evaluate texts independently. Every person is afforded that right— the right to independently evaluate sources and engage in conversation and debate. Mrs. Genardo has done nothing wrong by privately engaging in the discourse in which any citizen should be allowed to engage. Her impact on the classroom is not political; it is the lifelong, lasting learning of her students. Oak Forest should work to retain teachers that instill these essential abilities."

Countering current and former students' support, some parents are calling are for more transparency—and, one father says, condemnation of teacher Laurie Genardo's message—from district leadership. Read more about that here.