Rhode Island School Honors Teacher in 2026 Yearbook After Charlie Kirk 'Garbage' Remarks
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 9
Rhode Island School Honors Teacher in 2026 Yearbook After Charlie Kirk 'Garbage' Remarks
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 9
Summary
Barrington High School’s 2026 yearbook included a student-written dedication to social studies teacher Benjamin Fillo, reviving backlash over comments he made after Charlie Kirk’s Sept. 10, 2025 assassination.
Fillo had called the slain Turning Point USA founder a “piece of garbage” in a video post and was later placed on administrative leave for violating the district’s social media policy.
Dec. 1 marked Fillo’s return to teaching, according to interim Superintendent Bob Mitchell, despite the policy violation that had triggered his leave.
Barrington Public Schools said the dedication was chosen exclusively by the senior class as part of the student-led yearbook, while parents Heather and Jarrod Ryan said the selection contradicted values of integrity and respect.
The dispute keeps attention on school handling of politically charged speech after Kirk’s killing intensified broader concerns about political violence in the U.S.
With key bullet evidence now inconclusive, can prosecutors still convict Charlie Kirk's accused killer?
A teacher praised an assassination. Why did his students then dedicate their yearbook to him?
From TikTok to Turning Point: The Benjamin Fillo Incident and the Rise of Political Activism at Barrington High School, 2025–2026
Overview
The controversy at Barrington High School began after teacher Benjamin Fillo posted a TikTok video expressing no remorse over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling him a 'hateful person.' This sparked widespread criticism and led to Fillo being placed on leave, as well as similar disciplinary actions for other teachers in the region. The Barrington School Committee responded by launching a formal investigation, appointing an independent investigator, and acknowledging deep divisions within the community. The incident highlighted the challenges schools face in balancing free speech, teacher conduct, and community standards amid growing political polarization.