PEABODY – In an email sent Monday to various Peabody Public Schools staff, City leadership, and news outlets, Matthew Keen, a Peabody parent, claimed teachers have been removed from schools allegedly due to political speech made outside the classroom.
“My student at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School informed me today that one of their teachers was absent from class and had been removed from the school,” Keen wrote. “Students were left without instruction that period and provided no information.”
He went on to say that his child “heard from peers that multiple teachers had been dismissed or suspended due to political speech made outside of school.”
Keen added that he attempted to verify this information to no avail.
“When I contacted the high school, I was told only that an unspecified number of teachers were under HR investigation, with no further details,” Keen wrote.
He continued that he was directed to Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala’s office. Yet Keen was unable to speak with Vadala and was instead told that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mark Higgins “might return my call within the next few days.”
Keen wrote that he finds this situation unacceptable for several reasons, mainly listing three:
- “Suspending teachers for political speech made outside of school is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about free expression.
- Leaving students without instruction or clear communication during the school day demonstrates poor planning and disregard for their education.
- Refusing to provide timely and transparent information to parents undermines trust and accountability.”
Keen wrote, “The lack of communication, combined with the perception that the district is punishing staff for their views, leaves me profoundly uneasy about the environment in Peabody schools. How can families feel secure when staff disappear without explanation, and when leadership appears to foster a culture of fear rather than communication?”
Keen wrote that he is urging “the district and city leadership to provide clarity, transparency, and accountability in this matter” because “parents, students, and teachers deserve better.”
When asked to verify Keen’s claims, Vadala wrote the following:
“Peabody Public Schools has placed two high school teachers on leave for alleged violations of district policies and procedures, including but not limited to inappropriate social media posts following the death of Charlie Kirk. This matter is currently under investigation. We take this very seriously and will respond appropriately. Since this is a personnel matter, I am unable to comment any further at this time.”
