SLO County school district says it can’t fire coach for Charlie Kirk comments
Paso Robles community members are urging the school district to fire an employee who reportedly posted controversial statements to social media after the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
But the school district said terminating the coach’s contract could violate her First Amendment rights.
Paso Robles High School assistant basketball coach Netta Perkins’ alleged social media posts gained attention in the aftermath of Kirk’s death. Screenshots were posted on social media and were further shared by Cal Coast News in a Sept. 22 article.
According to the screenshots shared on social media, Perkins allegedly wrote, “God does not like ugly! Charlie Kirk reap wat u sow!” and “White on white crime let them sit in it!”
Another screenshot was shared attributing a third comment to Perkins, but that post had a different profile photo and the user’s Facebook account appeared tagged with a New York location.
The Tribune was not able to locate the posts directly on the coach’s social media.
The comments were criticized on social media and at last week’s Paso Robles school board meeting, where community members urged officials to take action against Perkins.
However, the district said in a statement Friday that while the comments are not aligned with its values, it cannot legally take action against the coach for comments made in her personal time.
“That doesn’t mean the District agrees with or condones the posts,” it wrote, “but it does mean the District is legally obligated to handle these situations differently than what many might expect.”
When reached for comment, Perkins told The Tribune via Facebook that she was grateful to the district for protecting her First Amendment rights, though she did not confirm if she had made any comments and if so, what they were.
Coach’s social media comments spark controversy
Community members showed up at Tuesday night’s Paso Robles school board meeting to criticize the social media posts and urge the district to take disciplinary action against Perkins.
Community member Berkley Baker argued the district should fire Perkins, and denounced the social media comments as “vile” and “evil.”
“An employee who condones murder and race-based hatred is a disgraceful representation of the Paso Robles Unified School District,” Baker said. “Netta Perkins has disqualified herself and her right to be an employee of this district and to work with the students of the school district, and this district must take the appropriate action and terminate this employee.”
North County Republican Party official Randall Jordan also confronted the board, echoing several of Baker’s comments and agreeing Perkins should be fired.
“I don’t think that there’s any place in this district for someone with that type of vile hate in their heart, especially when they’re dealing with our children,” Jordan said.
Vanessa Harris also spoke at the meeting during the general public comment period.
“As a parent and community member, I am deeply troubled that a district employee, someone entrusted with mentoring young women, has chosen to publicly post comments that imply a public figure deserved to be murdered,” Harris said.
“These words are not harmless,” she continued. “They normalize hate and division. Our children are watching the adults around them. The example we set today becomes the standard they carry forward tomorrow. The district has a moral and professional duty to uphold its reputation and ensure that those in positions of influence model respect and integrity.”
District says it can’t fire coach over social media comments
The Paso Robles school district shared a statement about the controversy on Friday, saying it recognizes the community’s concerns but can’t legally fire Perkins’ over comments made in her personal time.
“We understand how upsetting the recent social media posts by a PRJUSD athletic coach have been for many in our community, and we want you to know that your voices are heard,” the statement, which was signed from superintendent Jennifer Loftus, said.
The district clarified that while private businesses have fired employees over social media comments — like SLO County restaurant Giuseppe’s, which fired an employee for remarks about Kirk — schools don’t have that same ability.
“Public schools, however, are public institutions and must follow constitutional protections such as the First Amendment,” the district wrote. “In practice, this means that even if a staff member or coach shares something online that many find upsetting, the District cannot legally take disciplinary action based on personal speech alone, unless it affects their ability to do their job or harms students.”
The district acknowledged that employees have a right to express their freedom of speech in their personal time, even if those comments are controversial.
The district expects its staff to adhere to professional standards at work, it said.
“We are actively investigating the situation and will continue to monitor it closely to ensure our programs remain safe, welcoming, and supportive for every student,” Loftus wrote. “We appreciate your continued engagement with our schools.”
This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
.JPG)