BARRINGTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Barrington School Committee has hired an independent investigator to look into a teacher’s social media activity.
The teacher, who the district has not identified, was placed on administrative leave Thursday after reportedly expressing no sympathy for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while visiting Utah Valley University the day prior, on social media.
The Barrington School Committee voted in favor of hiring attorney Matthew Oliverio to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the personnel matter.
The decision comes after acting Barrington Superintendent Christopher Ashley formally recommended it, stating that the district’s legal counsel “has worked closely with the teacher in focus … through union negotiations.”
“It is important we engage a third-party investigator in this process,” Ashley explained. “This step will allow the facts to be gathered objectively, consistent with district policy and law, and will help ensure that the outcome is credible as our district moves forward.”
“Once our investigator’s analysis is complete, I will work closely with our legal counsel on any action taken,” he continued.
Barrington School Committee chairman TJ Peck requested everyone allow Oliverio to conduct his investigation “without speculation or distraction.”
“We want to be very clear: this action is about process, fairness, and transparency,” Peck said. “No conclusions have been drawn. Our focus remains on providing a safe and respectful learning environment for our students and staff while this independent review moves forward.”
Dozens of students, teachers and parents took turns addressing the Barrington School Committee Monday evening, with some demanding the educator be fired and others accusing the district of overstepping.
The district has opted not to discuss specifics of the investigation until it concludes. It’s also unclear how long the investigation is expected to take.
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