EASTON, Pa. — Nearly 20 people from the Easton Area School District region came out Tuesday night to Easton Area Middle School auditorium to speak on one subject: Kelly Keegan.
Keegan, the district's school nurse supervisor, who also serves as a Northampton County Councilwoman, has drawn significant ire lately because of a Facebook post that called slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk a “monster” and said his family was better off without him.
One wished people a “Happy Women’s Day” while also allegedly calling for the abortion of Republicans; another allegedly made light of Act 504 plans, which offer accommodations to students with disabilities, which the post seemed to infer are too easy to acquire. And another suggested Keegan planned to coat the political signs on her lawn with poison ivy.Alleged Facebook posts from Kelly Keegan read by audience members
Public comment on non-agenda items dominated the meeting for 90 minutes, with the bulk of speakers calling for Keegan to be investigated and fired.
There also was criticism for the board for inaction and allowing Keegan to post such material.
Some speakers wore white T-shirts emblazoned with the word “Freedom,” akin to the shirt Kirk was wearing when he was shot, in an expression of solidarity.
Several read Keegan's post concerning Kirk, in addition to others Keegan allegedly authored.
One wished people a “Happy Women’s Day” while also allegedly calling for the abortion of Republicans; another allegedly made light of Act 504 plans, which offer accommodations to students with disabilities, which the post seemed to infer are too easy to acquire.
And another suggested Keegan planned to coat the political signs on her lawn with poison ivy.
While the crowd was largely compliant with the board’s code of conduct, officials warned some of the audience a few times that they could be removed for disruptive behavior.
‘We will hold people accountable’
In what would be an oft-repeated statement, Kerri Ludwig reminded the board and public that Keegan’s post did not fall under First Amendment protection, as it fell under the purvey of her employer and their code of conduct.
“You, as a board, have allowed this woman to make these posts, and again, it's not about freedom of speech," Ludwig said. "It's not about that.
"It's about having and holding somebody at a higher standard, a school nurse, that should not be making posts like that.
“Make no mistake, we will hold people accountable. We will make sure anyone who enables her defense's approach is removed from the position of influence."Kathleen Harrison
“I've talked to numerous people. I have a family of teachers who literally said to me that they would leave their jobs immediately for something like this. You guys are allowing this.”
Kathleen Harrison demanded “concrete action” from the board, warning them that they would also target those protecting Keegan.
“Make no mistake, we will hold people accountable," Harrison said. "We will make sure anyone who enables her defense's approach is removed from the position of influence.
"That includes ensuring that her husband or any board member with a direct conflict is not allowed to sit on this board in a way that rubber stamps decisions and ignores safety and ethics.
“We will not stop, Miss Keegan. We will organize and we will vote. We will use every lawful and democratic tool available to us to protect our kids.”
'She is celebrating death’
Curtis Ding detailed other elements of the school’s personnel policies, citing them as examples for corrective action or termination.
“She's discussed politics with students and was openly bragging about it," Ding said. "She is celebrating death. She is, as a nurse, encouraging doing something to inflict an ailment on another human being.
"These are all aspects that compromise her ability to effectively be around students."
Owtil Koury characterized Keegan’s posts and conduct as “deeply disturbing,” and a bad example for the student body.
“What messages are you sending to children when cruelty is tolerated, when hate is swept under the rug and when adults model bullying instead of compassion?” Koury said.
“If a student said half those things you heard tonight, if a student mocked a disabled [person] or laughed at a public figure's death, they'd be punished severely.
"They'd be pulled into the principal's office and disciplined to the fullest extent because of your zero tolerance policies. So why does this school employee get a free pass?”
‘No interaction with my children’
Forks Township Supervisor Gene Parziale said Keegan’s controversial social media posts were not “made in a lapse of judgment, but thoughtful, deliberate actions” that showed signs of hatred, especially toward Republicans.
“I do not feel comfortable with my children in her care; I have no doubt she would take retribution against them through my family,” Parziale said.
“I will be formally demanding that she has no interaction with my children, not so much as an email regarding my children. And I encourage other parents to do the same.
"Any interaction with my child will be met with immediate legal action against her and the district.”
Megan McPeek also expressed concern for her child at EASD, stating that Keegan’s posts could impact the student body.
“I still have one daughter in the 10th grade," McPeek said. "I have told my daughter to never go to the nurse. She is to text or call me. Why? It's pretty simple.
“I fear for her safety, that she knew my daughter's face, maybe her last name. It's time for the district to act now. We can't let Kelly Keegan work with our children any longer.”
Other commentary largely hit upon the same notes, in addition to questioning whether Keegan could be indoctrinating children to vote in a particular manner.
One woman said that based upon the fact that Keegan had not been forced to publicly apologize for her Women’s Day post, the board was essentially “condoning genocide” against Republicans.
‘The Salem witch trials’
A handful of speakers came out in support of Keegan, including a student who described her as one of the most caring nurses in the district, essentially defending her professional capabilities.
Kathleen Soper conceded at the start she had never interacted with Keegan, and while she admitted “some residents found [Keegan’s post] distasteful,” she still felt she needed to be supported.
“I have seen many people praise Charlie Kirk in the last few weeks, and they have a right to do so," Soper said.
"But I have also seen others rightfully point out the hostile views he held for women, minority groups, religious groups and the LGBTQ plus community.
“Your board serves countless students from those vulnerable communities too, students whose views and needs are just as valuable as anyone's here tonight.
"How do you create an environment where those students also feel free to speak their minds and share their views?”
Tracey DeMaria said Keegan’s posts had painted her as “heartless and mean,” distorting the truth about “her driven, lifelong dedication.”
“The situation has become inflamed and increasingly dangerous, and much like the Salem witch trials and the Red Scare of McCarthyism, the false narratives are spreading wildly unsubstantiated accusations and attacks, putting her and her family's personal safety at risk,” DeMaria said.
DeMaria also read a statement from her college-age son who had known Keegan, and advocated for her character.
Superintendent Tracy Piazza said that while she could make no comment on Keegan’s status with the district, a statement on the issue would be released today, Wednesday, Oct. 1.
