Cienega High Teachers Receive Threats Over Misunderstood Halloween Costumes
Several math teachers from Cienega High School have come under fire after a Halloween group costume went viral and was misinterpreted online. The controversy began when an image showed staff wearing shirts splattered with fake blood and emblazoned with the words “Problem Solved.”
Turning Point USA initially alleged the shirts mocked the assassination of political figure Charlie Kirk. However, the Vail School District clarified that the costumes were not referencing anyone and had actually been used the prior Halloween as well.
“We shouldn’t have worn them, and we shouldn’t have posted it in retrospect, and I have deep sympathy and understanding for all people who are victims of violence, including Charlie Kirk and his family,” said John Carruth, Superintendent of the Vail School District.
Carruth emphasized that the viral image was stripped of context, causing undue harm to the teachers involved.
“The fact that this photo was taken so out of context and spread so quickly without simple fact-checking has been really harmful to them,” Carruth added.
He also noted that no concerns had been raised by students or parents before the photo circulated online, but after the incident, both the district and teachers received threats from across the country.
Author’s Summary
A viral Halloween photo led to nationwide threats against Cienega High teachers after their costumes were wrongly linked to Charlie Kirk, prompting official clarification and regret.