Fort Worth, TX – The Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has launched an investigation into a substitute teacher’s social media post that suggested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should visit North Side High School. The comment, which has sparked outrage within the community, was widely seen as a direct attack on immigrant students.

The Controversial Post

The teacher allegedly made the post on X (formerly Twitter) in response to an ICE enforcement update. The comment read:

"Y’all should come to Fort Worth, TX, to North Side High School. I have many students who don’t even speak English, and they are in 10th-11th grade. They have to communicate through their iPhone translator with me. The @USEDGOV should totally overhaul our school system in Texas."

The post quickly gained attention, prompting backlash from students, parents, and advocacy groups who accused the teacher of attempting to intimidate immigrant students.

FWISD’s Response

Following the controversy, FWISD released a statement confirming that an investigation was underway and that the teacher would not be returning to the school while the matter was being reviewed. Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar emphasized the district’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background.

"Our schools are places where students should feel accepted, valued, and supported. We take this matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation."

Community Reactions

The post has deeply unsettled students at North Side High School, a school known for its large Latino population. Many students are part of bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, making them direct targets of the teacher’s comment.

One student expressed their fear and disappointment:
"It makes me upset because we all feel safe here, and now it feels like someone inside the school doesn’t want us here."

Parents and community members have also voiced concerns, particularly given the recent rollback of protections that once limited ICE operations in schools and other sensitive locations. Immigrant advocacy groups have condemned the teacher’s remarks, calling them inappropriate and harmful.

A Pattern of Issues in FWISD?

This is not the first time FWISD has dealt with a similar controversy. In 2019, another Fort Worth teacher was fired after making anti-immigrant remarks on social media, calling on then-President Trump to remove undocumented immigrants from the district. The latest incident has reignited concerns about whether the district is doing enough to screen and train educators on cultural sensitivity.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

FWISD has reaffirmed that it does not track or disclose students’ immigration status, in line with federal laws protecting student privacy. Experts warn that comments like these could create a hostile learning environment, leading to possible legal challenges against the district if students feel unsafe.

What Happens Next?

As FWISD continues its investigation, questions remain about whether the teacher will face termination or other disciplinary action. The district has promised a full review and reiterated its stance on inclusivity and respect for all students.

For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and responsibility teachers hold—both in the classroom and online. With growing concerns about the impact of social media on education, many are calling for stricter policies to ensure that educators uphold professionalism and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of their work.

The FWISD investigation underscores the delicate balance between free speech and professional conduct in education. As schools become increasingly diverse, incidents like this highlight the importance of teacher training, cultural awareness, and the responsible use of social media.

The district is expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.