Kelsey Early, a Spanish teacher at Issaquah High School in Washington state, has resumed her teaching duties following a brief administrative leave. Early was placed on leave after a TikTok video emerged showing her singing a version of the National Anthem with altered lyrics that included profanities directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Donald Trump. The video, which also expressed support for Palestine, sparked controversy within the school community and beyond.
The Issaquah School District confirmed that Early returned to her classroom on October 17, 2025, concluding the investigation into the incident. The district emphasized its commitment to a safe, supportive learning environment, focusing on purposeful and productive instruction for all students. During the investigative process, Early's leave was described as non-disciplinary, with the district citing the importance of balancing staff expression with the orderly operation of schools.
The video in question contained the lyrics "F*ck ICE and F*ck Trump, Free Palestine," sung to the melody of the National Anthem, and indicated Early's intent to modify the Pledge of Allegiance in her classroom. This incident occurred against a backdrop of ongoing debates within the Issaquah School District regarding anti-Israel sentiment, heightened by the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and subsequent student walkouts.
Parents and community members have expressed dissatisfaction with the district's decision to reinstate Early. The district has faced challenges managing the expression of various viewpoints within its schools, particularly given Issaquah's significant Israeli and Jewish population.
In response to the controversy, the district provided an exclusive statement to The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, asserting that the teacher's First Amendment rights and cooperation were considered during the investigation. Additionally, the district plans to remind staff of the regulations and laws governing expression in educational settings.
As the situation developed, social media became a platform for diverse reactions. Some tweets criticized Early's actions as promoting terrorism and threatening the community, while others organized walkouts to commemorate the Hamas-led massacre as a "great achievement."
Issaquah High School principal Erin Connolly informed parents of the planned walkouts, stating that students participating would receive unexcused absences and reiterating the school's stance against harassment, bullying, or vandalism related to protest activities. The school also had to address the removal of protest posters that were illegally glued to school property.
