THOMASVILLE- A Thomasville City Schools employee has been fired, following an investigation into a “highly inappropriate social media post,” shared shortly after the election.

According to a release by TCS, “Concerned parents called to the attention of Thomasville City School administrators a highly offensive social media post made by a now former school system employee.”

The Facebook post depicted an unknown individual wearing a Donald Trump mask, MAGA hat, and suit jacket with the signature red tie, holding a Kamala Harris doll with a noose around its neck.

The system reportedly immediately placed the employee on leave before launching an investigation into the matter. After a meeting with system administrators, the employee was terminated.

“Thomasville City School system regrets the conduct of this employee and assures the community that this type of conduct by our employees will not be tolerated,” the release read.

TCS has strict guidelines on the usage of social media, as they realize the way staff members communicate with students, parents, and community members shape the public’s perception.

“Training on the appropriate use of social media is part of TCS yearly mandated employee training,” said the handbook. “All employees are expected to serve as positive ambassadors for the District and appropriate role models for students.”

While free speech protects individuals who want to participate in social media, the laws and courts have ruled that school districts can discipline employees if their speech, including personal online postings, disrupts school operations.

“The lines between public and private, personal and professional are sometimes blurred in the digital world,” said the handbook. “Even when you have a disclaimer or use a different username, you will always be considered to be a District employee. Whether it is clearly communicated or not, you will be publicly identified as working for and sometimes representing the District in what you do and say online.”