Barrington schools investigate teacher’s Kirk comments, hearing hosts public comment

BARRINGTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Barrington Public Schools officials has announced they’ve hired an independent investigator to look into a teacher’s recent “alleged social media activity” regarding the late conservative author and activist Charlie Kirk.

It comes after teacher Benjamin Fillo posted on his TikTok, calling Charlie Kirk quote, “A piece of garbage” after his death.

A public school committee hearing was held last night where parents spoke against the teacher’s words, and in support of him.

“Paid leave is not accountability. Our students deserve safety. Our parents deserve trust. Our community deserves. Educators who understand the difference between right and wrong is glorifying. The assassination of a public figure isn’t grounds for termination than what is,” said one attendee.

“He only made two opinion comments. Were they insensitive? Perhaps. But let us be clear by putting a teacher on leave in this
Circumstance, that is a dangerous move,” said another person in attendance at the hearing.

“When a teacher can be punished for expressing a blunt opinion outside of school hours, every other teacher will think twice about expressing an opinion or speaking truth to power, not just on their own time, but in the classroom as well.”

The district’s acting superintendent says he’s hired a lawyer to investigate whether Fillo broke either district policy or the law.

In a statement, Acting Superintendent Christopher Ashley says he, quote, “Take(s) seriously our responsibility to uphold professional standards, while ensuring fairness, due process, and transparency.”

He also hired lawyer Matthew Oliverio to investigate whether Fillo broke either district policy or the law.

Fillo remains on administrative leave.