Urrbrae Agricultural High School teacher Guy Harrison speaks for the first time on Charlie Kirk costume probe
A teacher under investigation after he dressed as slain US activist Charlie Kirk will not return to the school – amid a massive public outcry.
An Adelaide teacher who came to school dressed as slain American right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk on Halloween will not return to the school as new details of the incident are revealed.
A petition has now been started to reinstate Urrbrae Agricultural High School teacher Guy Harrison, who arrived at school on Friday, October 31 dressed in a white T-shirt with the word “Freedom” across its chest, and with fake blood makeup on his neck.
The teacher, who has not been at school since Monday, November 3, and, The Advertiser understands, will not be continuing at Urrbrae High in 2026, said him being directed away from the school had significant effect on his mental health.
“This has weighed very heavily on me,” he told The Advertiser.
Mr Harrison taught for the morning of October 31 in costume before he learned at lunch break that two parents had complained, resulting in him asking a fellow staff member to borrow a blue polo shirt to cover the costume.
After students left, Mr Harrison says he visited principal Todd George and apologised for any “unnecessary work or concern” as a result of the Charlie Kirk costume.
Mr George said in a statement as soon as he became aware of the costume he “immediately instructed” Mr Harrison to cover the costume.
Returning to school the following Monday, it was not until recess, after Mr Harrison taught his morning classes, that he says he was instructed to leave the school.
It is understood Mr Harrison did not receive any official communication from the school or the Education Department following him being stood down, but was informed by the Australian Education Union that he was to remain home pending an investigation.
The investigation “remains ongoing”, the Education Department said.
Following Mr Harrison being directed away from the school, students and parents started a petition to “reinstate” him as a teacher at Urrbrae.
The petition has received 794 signatures as of December 11, one month after it was started.
A majority of comments left on the petition showed their support for Mr Harrison, calling him “one of the best teachers” and “loved” by many.
Mr Kirk, the founder of student activism group Turning Point USA, died after being shot in the neck while speaking at the Utah Valley University on September 10.
The 31-year-old father of two was a well-known supporter of US President Donald Trump, who was the first to announce Mr Kirk’s death.
Tyler Robinson, 22, turned himself into police 33 hours after the shooting and was charged with Mr Kirk’s murder.
Mr Harrison said he “awaits the outcome” of the investigation.
The Education Department said Mr Harrison was “in a contract role” and “continues to hold a teaching position at another school”.
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Originally published as Urrbrae Agricultural High School teacher Guy Harrison speaks for the first time on Charlie Kirk costume probe
