Florida suspended a teacher over social media remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and warned educators could face state sanctions for similar conduct.
Florida education officials warned Thursday they will investigate and punish any “vile, sanctionable” behavior from teachers following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The memo from Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas followed reports that a Clay County elementary teacher was suspended for a social media post celebrating Kirk’s death. “Teachers are held to a higher standard as public servants,” Kamoutsas said, adding that educators who post “disgusting comments” about the killing will be held accountable.
Governor Ron DeSantis supported the action, writing that “celebrating the assassination of a 31-year-old father of two young kids is disturbing” and “completely unacceptable.”
The Clay County district confirmed it was reviewing the incident, stating the teacher’s remarks did not reflect school values. State officials signaled possible certification sanctions under educator conduct rules.
Kirk, a prominent conservative figure known for mobilizing young voters, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at a Utah college campus.