Easton parents call for Keegan’s removal after Charlie Kirk comments, board approves raise

EASTON, Pa. — Easton Area School District leaders tried to keep order Tuesday night as the school board approved a salary raise for nursing supervisor Kelly Keegan despite public outcry over her social media posts.

Screenshots of a post attributed to Keegan, widely circulated online, called conservative activist Charlie Kirk a “monster” and suggested “his wife and kids are better off without him.” The post has not been verified and has since been removed.

Calls for Keegan’s removal fueled more than 90 minutes of public comment and shouting matches in the audience.

“I’m disgusted with this board to have a raise on the agenda for Kelly Keegan,” Easton parent Kathleen Harrison told members. “I think it’s a slap in the face to every parent and community member who has been completely outraged by her behavior. This is not a polite request anymore. I’m not playing around and neither are these parents. We will not stop until Kelly Keegan loses her job.”

Others defended Keegan, pointing to her professional and personal compassion. Tracey DeMaria, a family friend, said Keegan cares for elderly relatives, helps families in crisis and volunteers at a homeless shelter. She also read a statement from her son, who is autistic, crediting Keegan with supporting him.

Kathleen Soper, another Easton resident, said the district must weigh Keegan’s comments against the communities it serves.

“I have seen many people praise Charlie Kirk in the last few weeks and they have a right to do so,” she said. “But I’ve also seen others rightfully point out the hostile views he held toward women, minority groups, religious groups and the LGBTQ+ community. Your board serves countless students from those vulnerable communities too.”

District solicitor Jonathan Huerta repeatedly urged the audience to remain respectful, warning that anyone who disrupted the meeting would be removed.

“We understand that passion and concern has brought you here this evening, and we value the willingness of the residents to share their thoughts,” Huerta said. “However, in order for us to conduct necessary business of the district and provide a safe and orderly environment for all participants, it is essential that we maintain a respectful and orderly atmosphere.”

The meeting also included remarks from Adaiah Smith, an Easton Area High School senior, who described Keegan as “an incredible nurse” who always treated students with compassion.

“She is one of the kindest nurses I’ve ever had in any context,” Smith said. “I always felt comfortable in her care.”

Keegan, who also serves on Northampton County Council, has faced protests in recent weeks. More than two dozen demonstrators gathered outside a Sept. 18 council meeting, where members unanimously passed a resolution condemning political violence. Keegan, attending remotely, endorsed the measure.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Superintendent Tracy Piazza said the district would issue a public statement on its website within 48 hours. As of Wednesday morning, no statement had been posted.