A Connecticut teacher has garnered significant attention and scrutiny after posting violent threats against Donald Trump supporters on social media, leading to her resignation from the Chapman Elementary School. Annie Dunleavy, 30, of Wallingford, shared her controversial sentiments via Snapchat, igniting outrage among parents and community members.
"If you test your gangster on me, you’ll end up on a stretcher, gone forever—seriously, no joke,’ she stated, emphasizing her disdain toward Trump voters. The video quickly went viral, prompting concerns about the safety of students and the appropriateness of Dunleavy's remarks as an educator. Her heated remarks did not stop there; she added, "If you voted for Trump, literally, please delete me, block me, get rid of everything of me—or step to me, so I know what’s up and handle you how I see fit.”
These outbursts were part of what Dunleavy claimed were personal opinions intended for private messaging, not meant for public dissemination. Cheshire Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Solan became aware of the video over the weekend. He assured the school community it would be handled as per district policies. “The Cheshire Public Schools is reviewing this situation as a personnel matter, and as such we are following all applicable laws,” he communicated.
Given the volatile nature of her remarks, Solan determined it was necessary to temporarily remove her from the classroom to maintain safety and order within the school environment. “It is immediately clear it will be impossible to conduct business as usual for our students and staff without temporarily removing the teacher from the building,” he remarked.
Local authorities, including the Cheshire Police Department, also initiated investigations once the incident gained traction online. Their statement affirmed they were aware of Dunleavy's social media post and indicated their investigation was still underway, with no additional information available.
The fallout from Dunleavy’s comments has unsettled parents like Ian Anctil, who stated, “Whether you agree politically or not, it doesn’t matter. You’re a teacher, educating our kids. You need to be cognitive of who’s going to hear what you say, whether it’s intended for the public or not.” Many parents supported her leave of absence; they felt it was a necessary step to preserve the educational atmosphere.
Following the backlash, Dunleavy expressed her heartbreak over the situation, noting, “It’s my life’s dream to be a teacher. I really know what people see right now; I don’t look like the person I truly am.” She insisted her remarks were misinterpreted, as she believed she only aimed to express her frustrations related to political views. "I would do anything to help any child and family in need, and I hope they know my true character is different than what’s portrayed right now."
Nonetheless, her resignation from the teaching position marked the end of her long-held aspirations. Many educators and analysts are using this incident as an example of how the intersection of teaching, personal beliefs, and political rhetoric can lead to dire consequences for school environments.
With increasing polarization in politics, such incidents may become more common, raising questions about the responsibilities educators have to maintain decorum and professionalism, particularly when their views may clash with those of their students and the communities they serve. Dunleavy's case serves as another reminder of the fine line educators must walk between personal opinions and professional responsibilities.
