Conservative Teacher Fired

Empty classroom with desks and a chalkboard.

John Bergonzi’s firing for conservative posts poses a significant threat to First Amendment rights in education.

Story Highlights

An educator is suing after being fired for conservative Facebook posts.
The lawsuit highlights potential First Amendment violations.
Judicial Watch supports the educator, emphasizing free speech rights.
Public education faces rising tensions over social media speech.

Educator Sues Over Wrongful Termination

John Bergonzi, an educator, has taken legal action against Barnstable Public Schools after being terminated for his conservative Facebook posts. The suit, filed with the support of Judicial Watch, alleges wrongful termination and a violation of Bergonzi’s First Amendment rights. The case has been launched in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, aiming to address what is perceived as retaliation against conservative viewpoints in the public education system.

The lawsuit comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in the U.S. regarding educators’ rights to express political opinions on social media platforms. This case is distinguished from others as it involves disciplinary action over explicitly conservative content, contrasting with broader investigations into anti-conservative posts, such as reactions to the death of Charlie Kirk.

Background of Social Media Firings

The issue of educators being disciplined for their social media activity has been growing, particularly in politically polarized climates. Notably, a 2019 Texas case saw a conservative teacher reinstated after being fired for a Twitter post regarding “illegal students,” setting a precedent for First Amendment protections. This trend has intensified post-2025, with high-profile incidents like the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led to increased scrutiny and disciplinary actions against educators.

In September 2025, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath issued directives urging superintendents to report “reprehensible and inappropriate” posts related to Kirk, resulting in over 350 complaints and several teacher firings. Despite these actions, no similar directives were issued following the deaths of Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns about selective enforcement.

Legal and Social Implications

The Bergonzi case and similar incidents have significant implications for both educators and educational institutions. In the short term, there is a palpable fear among teachers who may face job loss for expressing their views online. In the long term, this could create a chilling effect on free speech, as vague policies might deter educators from engaging in public discourse on contentious topics.

Legal experts argue that disciplining educators for off-duty speech requires proof of workplace disruption, and overbroad policies risk violating First Amendment rights. The outcome of Bergonzi’s lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for future cases, prompting a reevaluation of ethics codes and their enforcement in public education.