Former Georgia teacher Michelle Mickens has settled her lawsuit with the Oglethorpe County School District after claiming she was unfairly disciplined for comments she made regarding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

In September 2025, Mickens posted on her private Facebook page that the world was "safer" without Kirk shortly after his assassination at Utah Valley University. She later engaged in a discussion with a Facebook friend, condemning political violence but maintaining her view that the world was safer without Kirk.

Following these posts, Mickens was placed on indefinite leave and reportedly encouraged to resign. In October 2025, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the school district.

According to records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mickens received approximately $270,420 for alleged emotional distress and an additional $17,080 to cover legal fees. Mickens also agreed not to seek future employment with the district.

SPLC senior supervising attorney Sam Boyd stated in a press release, "We are pleased to reach a mutually amicable settlement of this matter."

Several other teachers have faced suspension or termination after making controversial comments about Kirk's assassination.

Sources