CHULA VISTA, Calif. — A South Bay family said their student was deeply unsettled by a teacher’s comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, sparking concern within the school community.
ABC 10News obtained audio recorded inside a Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High School classroom last Thursday. In the recording, a teacher can be heard telling students, “Play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. Sorry.”
A family member of one of the students in the class told ABC 10News the remarks were a shock.
“They were shocked because they looked up to [the teacher]. I’d argue most of the country is mourning over [Charlie Kirk]. So to hear him say that, it was a shock,” the family member said.
The family asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation against the student. \
The student said the school initially removed the teacher the same day the comments were brought to school leader's attention, but confirmed the teacher has since returned to the classroom.
“It’s odd to see that he’s back so soon already,” the family member said. "You know, at first I thought this is good that the school is standing up and doing the right thing."
ABC 10News is not naming the teacher because we've been unable to get in touch with him; however, we offered for him to tell his side of the story. We have not heard back.
Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School confirmed the teacher is employed there but declined to provide details, citing personnel matters.
The school's statement in part read:
"We have confirmed that this is a teacher at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School (CVLCC). The district cannot discuss the details of the disciplinary actions Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School has taken, as this is a personnel matter. We can further express that the CVLCC employee’s position is not the official position of the school or district.ABC 10News attempted to contact the teacher but did not receive a response."
The controversy comes as vigils are being held at schools across San Diego County, marking one week since Kirk’s assassination.
Events like what happened in Chula Vista and across the country underscore the polarizing reactions to his death.
That family member also expressed concern about the risk of the teacher continuing to spread what they described as harmful comments that may not align with all students’ views or beliefs.
“I think it’s time we come together and stand up against this,” they said.
ABC 10News has asked the school if it plans to establish a protocol for teachers following the incident, but has not yet received a response.
