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Jack Kiesewetter, who taught theology, reportedly made comments about Charlie Kirk in a class. A community member started an online petition calling for a reconsideration of his termination and students organized a Friday walkout.
This story has been updated to include information about the student walkout on Friday.
Popular Marist Catholic High School teacher Jack Kiesewetter is no longer teaching at the school after what community members say were comments he made during class about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“Mr. Kiesewetter will no longer be teaching at Marist Catholic High School,” Marist principal Bob Fraley wrote in an email this week to parents of students taking Kiesewetter’s Paschal Mystery class. “As with any personnel matter, I am not able to share the specifics of this decision.”
According to Marist’s website, Keisewetter was a theology teacher and assistant campus minister. He was also a Marist alumnus, who graduated in 2015.
Neither Fraley nor Marist president David Welch immediately returned calls seeking comment from Lookout Eugene-Springfield. Efforts to reach Keisewetter were unsuccessful.
Marist students organized a Friday afternoon walkout in protest of the decision, but visible turnout was small.
A group of about 30 students walked out of the school around 12:45 p.m. Some dispersed, walking to their cars to leave campus. About eight students remained directly front of the school until around 1 p.m., when adults from the school approached and talked to them. Together they all walked through a gate to an inner courtyard area. School administrators did not allow media beyond the school property line.
An Instagram account not affiliated with Marist that appears to be run by Marist students posted about the walkout.
“Come and show your support for Mr. K,” the poster wrote Wednesday. The account owner deleted the post Friday.
Erik Lansdon, Marist’s director of student services, sent a message to students discouraging them from participating in the protest.
“I know that many of you have strong feelings following recent events at our school,” he wrote, in part. “I ask that you do not organize or participate in activities that take you out of class.”
Lansdon’s email continued, “At the same time, we want to make sure you have appropriate and respectful ways to share your thoughts and questions. You are welcome to share written comments or concerns by emailing or meeting with our Principal, speaking with counselors, or talking with the Campus Ministry Team.”
A community member also made a Change.org petition calling for the reexamination of Kiesewetter’s “dismissal” from the school.
The online petition’s description said students were upset about Kiesewetter leaving.
“Mr. Kiesewetter was a light and guidance to students,” the description reads. “He bridged the gap between students and teachers, fostering a more welcoming community at Marist overall. He was one of the first teachers to demonstrate the pillars of Marist to students and live out the ‘We Are One’ motto.”
Keisewetter coached boys and girls track and field with his wife, Jenny Keisewetter, who worked as a physical education teacher at the school. The student Instagram account that posted about the walkout alluded to the rumor that Jenny Keisewetter had also left the school.
“Lost both of them THE SAME DAMN TIME,” the poster wrote.
Jenny Keisewetter’s exit could not be verified.
Marist Catholic High School has more than 400 students, and the private school’s graduation rate is 98%. Tuition for the current school year is $15,180.
