INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced he has sent legal guidance to school superintendents and public university administrators across the state, explaining their authority consistent with the First Amendment to discipline or terminate educators who make public statements that are deemed disruptive to school operations.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk generated grief and outrage across the nation, said Rokita.

Rokita claims some Indiana educators have exacerbated the pain and sorrow by making 'divisive statements that excuse or even celebrate Kirk’s death.'

“When teachers or professors entrusted with shaping young minds cheer the violent death of a political figure, they forfeit the moral authority to stand in front of a classroom,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Free speech is not a license for public employees to disrupt government operations by destroying public trust through callous, crude, and controversial speech. Schools and universities have legal authority to act to restore public confidence in our schools by disciplining these teachers—up to and including termination.”

The AG's Office claims it's received hundreds of complaints from parents and other concerned Hoosiers about comments made by educators on social media and in other forums.

You can read Rokita's complete legal guidance letter online.