Full Breakdown
Kaukauna Teacher Placed on Leave After Controversial Post Referencing Presidential Assassins
4/28/2026, 8:58:11 PM
Controversial Social-Media Post and Immediate Action
Social studies teacher Patrick Meyer of Kaukauna High School posted a deleted X message on April 25, 2026, reacting to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The post read: “I am not impressed with recent presidential assassins. It’s f—ing embarrassing! Booth, Guiteau, Czolgosz, Oswald must all be spinning in their graves! MAGAA (make Americans great assassins again)! Sad!” The reference to the four men who successfully assassinated U.S. presidents prompted the Kaukauna Area School District to place Meyer on administrative leave while it reviews the incident under district policy.
District’s Official Response
The district issued a statement confirming the leave and emphasizing its safety mandate: the district “is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, families, and staff, and unequivocally rejects any conduct, expression, or behavior that may encourage, condone, or promote violence in any form.” It added that the post “was not related to district business” and that “there is no evidence of a risk to the safety of our students and schools.” The district said it is conducting “additional action to review the matter in accordance with its policies and procedures.”
Political and Community Backlash
State and federal officials condemned the post. U.S. Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08) called the rhetoric “disgusting” and said it “does not represent our values” and is “not the example that our teachers should be setting for Northeast Wisconsin students.” State Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) posted, “Come on, Kaukauna. You are better than this.” Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) said, “I wouldn’t want him teaching my children.” Local parents echoed the criticism, with one stating, “What does this teach our kids? If you disagree with someone, we should just kill them. Right?”
Supportive Voices from Former Students
Several alumni defended Meyer’s character. Senior Iris Bass said, “I’m not condoning the post … Mr. Meyer is a kind and dutiful teacher who values his students and fellow staff.” Former student Logan Lamers (class of 2014) described him as “incredibly even-keeled and very thoughtful.” Jacob Cash, a 2014 graduate, warned that firing teachers “really hurts” the community’s ability to teach critical-thinking skills.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The district asserts no safety threat, yet critics argue the language could normalize political violence. Meyer has not provided a public comment, leaving his intent unclear. The district’s internal policy for evaluating teachers’ off-duty speech remains undisclosed, and no timeline for the investigation’s conclusion has been shared.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am not impressed with recent presidential assassins. It’s f—ing embarrassing! Booth, Guiteau, Czolgosz, Oswald must all be spinning in their graves! MAGAA (make Americans great assassins again)! Sad!” — Patrick Meyer, Teacher (X post)
- “, said on social media, “This type of disgusting rhetoric has no place in our society and does not represent our values in #WI08.” — Tony Wied, U.S. Representative (Facebook)
- “Meyer's comment was totally unacceptable.” — Naomi Dvorachek, Parent (public comment)
- “Come on, Kaukauna. You are better than this,” — Shae Sortwell, State Representative (social media)
- “I wouldn't want him teaching my children.” — Ron Tusler, State Representative (social media)
What’s Next
The district will continue its review, with the school board scheduled to reconvene on May 11, 2026 to consider further disciplinary action.
