Judge Denies Halt to Disciplinary Actions Against Iowa Teachers

A federal judge has decided against stopping disciplinary proceedings involving two Iowa teachers over their social media posts that followed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The judge deemed the situation “deeply disturbing.”

Katherine Mejia and Jennifer Smith have taken legal action against the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) and its executive director, Michael Cabin. They argue that the investigation into their posts right after Kirk’s death infringes on their First Amendment rights.

Chief Judge Stephanie Rose of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa denied the teachers’ request for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction. She stated that federal courts generally refrain from intervening in ongoing state enforcement proceedings. Rose noted that the teachers can present their constitutional concerns during the BOEE’s disciplinary actions or, if necessary, in Iowa state court later.

According to Rose, based on federal case law, professional license investigations are categorized as “quasi-criminal” enforcement processes. This classification means federal courts must stay out while state proceedings are ongoing. The BOEE has already initiated an investigation and filed formal charges against both educators.

Although Rose’s ruling does not address whether the board’s actions actually breach the First Amendment, she dismissed the teachers’ claims for injunctive and declaratory relief without prejudice. This allows them to return to federal court after the state process is complete if needed. Claims for monetary damages against Cabin personally are on hold pending the board’s outcome.

In her ruling, Rose pointed out that the timing and statewide scope of the board’s actions raise serious questions about potential political pressure to suppress unfavorable comments regarding a public figure’s death.

Mejia, who works as a counselor in the West Delaware Community School District, made a Facebook post stating, “Kirk is not a martyr or a hero. He is a cause!” She also shared remarks that criticized Kirk and similar “right-wing extremist influencers.”

The complaint claims that her superintendent, Jen Vance, reprimanded Mejia for the post, alleging it was made during work hours, though Mejia was actually on authorized leave. Vance instructed her to “exercise professional discretion in online activities.”

The complaint also notes that on September 19, 2025, Cabin sent a letter to superintendents across Iowa, addressing comments about Kirk’s assassination. The letter encouraged superintendents to file complaints with the board, outlining particular ethics rules that could apply. This prompted Vance to file a complaint with the BOEE against Mejia.

In court documents, attorneys for the commission reasoned that launching an investigation does not count as disciplinary action and emphasized Iowa’s interest in upholding professional standards for educators.

The day following Kirk’s assassination, Smith, a teacher at the Johnston Community School District, allegedly made a Facebook post referencing Kirk’s past remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. She implied that the yearly gun-related deaths were an unavoidable cost of protecting Second Amendment rights. She reportedly posted, “Rest in peace, you monster. I am confident that your God will be okay with the amount of hate you have wrought on this earth,” but later deleted the message after being contacted by human resources about a complaint received by board members.

The complaint further alleges that Johnston City Superintendent Nikki Rolda received Cabin’s letter and subsequently filed her own complaint with the BOEE.

Mejia and Smith contend that their posts represent protected political speech on significant public matters. They expressed concerns in court documents that even a finding of probable cause would enter the public licensing records and potentially impact their jobs under Iowa regulations.

Efforts to reach BOEE’s attorneys for comments were made, as well as attempts to contact the plaintiffs.