Florida education officials are warning teachers they could face discipline for inappropriate comments about Charlie Kirk following his assassination this week at Utah Valley University.
In a Thursday memo, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas pledged to investigate and punish “vile, sanctionable” behavior, noting free speech rights “do not extend without limit to their professional duties.” The warning followed reports that a Clay County elementary teacher was suspended for posting online that Kirk’s death was “a close second” to an obituary they hoped to see.
“This type of hate has no place in our schools and around our children,” state Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-FL) said. Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the suspension, adding, “Celebrating the assassination of a 31-year-old father of two young kids is disturbing.”
Clay County District Schools said the post “does not reflect the values or beliefs of our schools” and confirmed the matter was under review. Kamoutsas suggested possible sanctions could include revoking teaching certifications.
The Florida Education Association pushed back, vowing to support educators’ rights and calling for due process. “Allowing threats and threatening those in our public school communities is counterproductive,” the union said.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent conservative activist and ally of Donald Trump.
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