The incident began when a video surfaced online showing Dunleavy, 30, speaking in a highly charged tone about individuals who voted for Trump. She spoke of leaving them “on a stretcher” and strongly warned against provoking her.

The video, which stirred significant backlash, featured Dunleavy discouraging Trump voters from interacting with her and insisting they remove themselves from her life unless they were ready for confrontation. In one segment, she said, "If you voted for Trump, delete me, block me," suggesting she only wished to engage with those up for a fight.

In light of the video's spread and the subsequent criticisms, though, she was initially placed on leave from her position at Chapman Elementary School in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Why Dunleavy Left Teaching Role

The response to her video led Dunleavy to ultimately resign from her teaching post. This choice, as she discussed later in interviews, was partially driven by the emotional weight associated with the fallout.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Dunleavy addressed the situation, offering an apology and indicating a desire to be involved in shaping political discourse. She admitted her objective was to express her personal anxiety over a potential second Trump administration.

“My intent was never to pose a threat,” she clarified, acknowledging her strong language. “It was about conveying the fear and protectiveness I feel.

Potential Political Involvement on Horizon

In reflecting on the incident, Dunleavy noted her initial foray into social media as a means to influence change was flawed. She mentioned a potential future in politics could better serve her aspirations for societal impact.

When asked about possibly running for office, she expressed openness to the idea: “Yes, I think that exploring politics could be one way to effectively share my views and work towards change.”

Dunleavy was keen to emphasize her commitment to non-violence and reiterated that her comments were indicative of the emotional state at the time, rather than actionable threats.

Public Reaction and Dunleavy's Response

The public reception to Dunleavy's video was predominantly negative, with many perceiving her words as dangerous and unacceptable for a teaching professional. This perception played a significant role in her decision to leave teaching.

Dunleavy's narrative of the event aims to humanize her predicament, casting her as a person deeply concerned about societal issues rather than a figure of hostility. Her outburst, she admits, was rooted in frustration and fear about what a Trump presidency might represent.

She also highlighted how this context of fear was particularly pronounced concerning violence against women, an issue she associates with Trump's tenure.

Reflecting on Repercussions and Looking Forward

Reflecting on her actions, Dunleavy acknowledges the repercussions of her aggressive tone but also notes her intent to advocate for herself and others in the face of perceived threats.

“The message should have been shared differently,” she said, indicating her understanding that the manner of her communication overshadowed the intended safety message.

Dunleavy expressed regret for the manner in which her concerns were articulated, planning to channel her energies into more constructive political engagement in the future.

The Path Ahead for Dunleavy

As Dunleavy contemplates her next steps, the prospect of diving into politics as a way to inspire purposeful change remains appealing to her.

This experience has sharpened her awareness of the importance of carefully considering how personal opinions are shared, particularly in the digital age where interpretations can rapidly escalate.

For Dunleavy, the journey forward involves finding balance between fervent advocacy and ensuring her statements are free from misinterpretation.