A conservative education reform organization has reported collecting “over a hundred” accounts of teachers allegedly celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk.
“We consider it a matter of accountability,” stated 1776 Project PAC executive director Stefano Forte in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“Our aim is to ensure that the next generation of students is not influenced by radical ideologies in education. We’ve received a significant number of submissions and are currently analyzing them as more continue to come in,” Forte said.
Following Kirk’s assassination on September 10, several incidents have emerged involving educators and administrators making insensitive remarks or celebrating his death, drawing sharp criticism.
The 1776 Project PAC was founded in 2021 by Ryan Girdusky during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to progressive movements within the education system. Its mission focuses on reforming school boards nationally by backing conservative candidates.
“We are among the few federal PACs in the country dedicated to this cause. Our focus has primarily been on school board elections. Historically, the Republican establishment hasn’t prioritized this area. They have largely ignored school boards,” Forte elaborated.
He further explained that the PAC recognized significant learning setbacks resulting from COVID-related school closures, a decline in student performance, and diminishing standards within classrooms.
Since April, the PAC has supported over 350 school board campaigns, winning more than 200 positions nationwide.
Forte noted that their initiative to identify teachers celebrating Kirk’s death aims to reveal the “extremist elements” within the public school system. The PAC has created a form for the public to report any instances of educators and administrators displaying such behavior following Kirk’s assassination last month. The goal is to hold those accountable who celebrate the loss of the conservative leader.
“This accountability project provides parents with a comprehensive understanding of who is teaching their children. It’s crucial for us. Our intention isn’t to restrict free speech; rather, we aim to enhance it, giving individuals a broader platform to express their genuine beliefs,” Forte stated.
“We’ve received thousands of reports, and I anticipate that around a hundred will be substantiated once we finalize our reviews,” he added.
Kirk’s murder on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University propelled TPUSA to new heights.
Recently, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, was appointed as CEO and chair of the board of TPUSA, which oversees around 900 college chapters and approximately 1,200 high school chapters.
In the face of some negative reactions to her husband’s passing, Erika Kirk received national recognition for her act of forgiveness towards her husband’s suspected assassin during his memorial service.
“If you’re willing to put your name and face forward to say that Charlie Kirk’s death is something to celebrate, all we’re doing is amplifying that voice. We provide a megaphone for their opinions,” Forte explained.
He concluded, “Now everyone becomes aware. Whether it’s your colleagues, students, administration, or the school board, they all know it. That’s our objective.”
As of yet, Turning Point USA has not responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
