Teacher and Family Facing Backlash for Exercising Free Speech – Help Share Holly's Story and Support Her Fight Against Wrongful Termination.
A teacher from Gaston County, North Carolina — Holly Ackerman — is currently being targeted by far-right extremists after making a personal comment on a friend’s Facebook post in response to conservative figure Charlie Kirk’s statements about school shootings. Her comment, made on a private post, read: “I can’t believe people are mourning this douchebag.” This comment was made in response of Kirk’s blatant racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Unfortunately, her words were screenshotted and circulated by right-wing social media users, and the situation quickly spiraled. What began as an offhand personal comment has turned into a viral campaign of harassment. It’s a digital lynching with the hashtag of #fireholly trending.
Since the post went viral, Holly and her family have been doxxed — their home address, phone numbers, and even photos of their children have been posted online. They’ve received death threats, hate messages, and are now the target of an organized effort to get both Holly and her husband fired from their jobs — despite the fact that her husband had no involvement whatsoever in the post.
The attacks against Holly go far beyond what she said. MAGA-aligned groups and individuals have made far worse public statements themselves without consequence, yet they are determined to destroy Holly's livelihood and endanger her family — likely because she is a teacher and represents values they oppose.
Holly’s teaching record is clean. She has never hurt, neglected, or abused her students. She is a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. The comment that Holly made was not done during contracted work hours, or using a school-issued device, and was unaffiliated with the school system and her position. Holly has never taught politics or pushed her personal opinions in the classroom.
This is a terrifying and disproportionate response to a personal opinion shared in a non-public space. It is a chilling reminder of how dangerous politically motivated online mobs can be — especially when they target educators and families for simply speaking their minds.
We are sharing Holly’s story in hopes that others — especially those who value free speech, support public educators, and believe in protecting individuals from coordinated harassment — will help push back.
If you are unable to donate, please consider using your platform to speak out against this abuse and help show Holly and her family that they are not alone. You can find details of her story and the attacks against her circulating online. She needs support, solidarity, and a louder counter-voice to drown out the hate.
Thank you for reading and standing up for decency, free speech, and human dignity.
