Horizon High teacher files grievance over removal of Charlie Kirk poster

A Horizon High School teacher has filed a grievance with Orange County Public Schools after he was told to remove a Charlie Kirk poster from his classroom after a student filed a complaint. 

Social studies teacher William Loggans put a poster of Charlie Kirk with the quote "Never underestimate the power of your voice and the impact you can have on the world when you speak up for what you believe in."

After a student filed a complaint, Loggans was told to take the poster down, which he complied. 

Loggans has retained Anthony Sabatini, a Lake County commissioner and lawyer, as his attorney. 

Orange County Public Schools said the submitted complaint is part of an ongoing investigation. 

"We understand many are grieving the tragic death of Charlie Kirk," the district said. "The district asked that the poster be removed to maintain classroom neutrality, consistent with our policy prohibiting political or partisan displays (GBI - Political Activities of Staff). Our goal is a respectful, inclusive learning environment for all students."

Sabatini said what the district is doing is "totally unlawful."

"It's completely illegal," he said. "The policy, if it means what it says, obviously it's not being enforced. It's only being enforced against (Loggans). So this is a classic case of First Amendment viewpoint discrimination, and they're going to lose in court if it's challenged. We don't want to challenge it, but we'll do it if we have to. We're hoping they do the right thing and just allow him to just display a simple poster, which, of course, nobody had an issue with it."

Sabatini said there are posters in other classrooms that have political figures, like President Barack Obama, but teachers were not asked to remove those posters. 

"Obviously, I think the administration at that high school, the actual principal and the other administrators, have a hostility and bias against Charlie Kirk," Sabatini said. "That's the obvious reason. It's said they won't just allow (Loggans) to put up a poster because there are other classrooms on campus that have pictures of other political figures, including Barack Obama. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, but they're doing what they're doing just because they don't like the figures that he thinks are worthy of display."

The district said, "When staff is made aware of any situation that is in violation of state law or policy, it is dealt with accordingly and without political bias."

"The decision to ask the teacher to remove the poster was in line with board policy and the memo from the Commissioner of Education sent to school superintendents on Sept. 11, 2025," the district said. "The memo states that, 'An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families they serve. If an educator’s conduct causes a student or his or her family to feel unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment, it may be a violation of Rule 6A-10.081, F.A.C.'"

Sabatini said if the district does not mediate the situation and allow Loggans to put the poster up, he and Loggans will appeal to the Orange County School Board and file a First Amendment lawsuit if necessary.