BOTHELL — A Bothell high school principal has stepped away from his position following community concern over a social media post regarding the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Last week, North Creek High School Principal Eric McDowell posted an Instagram story on his personal, private account about Kirk’s death.
“Thoughts and prayers,” he wrote. “Too bad gun control would have been far far more effective (he’d still be alive). Maybe thoughts and prayers will work..oops – nope.”
The post drew the attention of right-wing social media accounts, with some calling on McDowell to resign.
On Sunday, McDowell sent out a statement to the North Creek High School community, announcing his decision to “step away” from his role as principal.
“Despite the fact that I had no intent whatsoever to inflame the current political environment, I own the impact that my post has had,” McDowell wrote. “I will be stepping away as Principal of North Creek for the time being to reflect and ensure the focus of NCHS is on our students.”
Assistant Principal Bryan McNiel is acting as interim principal in McDowell’s absence, said Carri Campbell, spokesperson for Northshore School District. She declined to comment on how long McDowell will be away since it is a personnel matter.
On Tuesday morning, about 50 North Creek students participated in a “student-initiated demonstration,” Campbell said, but she could not confirm the demonstration’s focus. The action was peaceful and respectful, and students stayed on campus, she said. Social media posts indicated the demonstration was in support of McDowell.
In his statement, McDowell condemned Kirk’s assassination.
“My post, sent as a private citizen on my personal Instagram account from my home, was meant to decry the lack of any forward progress on ending gun violence in America,” he wrote. “It was not meant to demean the murder of Mr. Kirk. I truly wish what happened to Charlie Kirk did not happen – he did not deserve to be shot or killed. I truly wish he was alive today. Violence is never the way to resolve disagreements or conflict.”
McDowell’s decision comes as workers across the country face backlash after posting on social media about Kirk’s death.
Later on Sunday, the district sent out a statement saying it was prepared for a potential protest at North Creek High School on Monday. Campbell said the protest was “very limited” with just a couple of people. District staff are following up with the individuals directly, she said. In the district’s statement, Campbell said counselors are available for any student who needs additional care.
“Violence is never the answer,” she wrote. “Here in Northshore, we are resolute in supporting students as they develop the tools to respectfully and compassionately disagree, while also seeking common ground. As educators, one of our central responsibilities is to prepare students to participate in a democratic society. That means teaching them how to think critically—not what to think.”
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.