A day after the Florida education commissioner used a Clay County teacher as an example of educators who will be fully investigated for social media comments that “encourage violence,” the district confirmed to News4JAX that it is “fully cooperating” with the state’s probe.
The Ridgeview Elementary School teacher came under scrutiny shortly after right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting on Sept. 10 over a social media post that referenced Kirk’s death, the district said.
The post in question included a link to a story from the St. Augustine Record saying that Kirk had been killed in a shooting at a college campus event in Utah and included the caption (which was left unedited by News4JAX): “This may not be the obituary. We were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me.”
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said Monday that his office found probable cause to sanction the teacher who posted “callous, unconscionable comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.”
He said her comments encourage violence, and he is seeking a permanent revocation of the teacher’s license.
“Let me be clear. This is completely unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated as these posts continue to circulate,” Kamoutsas said.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it is not involved in the matter, but a spokesperson for Clay County District Schools said Tuesday that the district is aware of the state’s investigation and “our Human Resources Department is fully cooperating with the Office of Professional Practices Services.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the teacher remains on administrative leave “pending school board action.”
In the wake of Kirk’s death, educators have come under particular scrutiny for online comments. Some apparently joking about the conservative activist’s death faced backlash and firings for what was deemed “hate speech.”
RELATED: Clay County teacher suspended over Facebook post referencing death of Charlie Kirk, district says
Kamoutsas addressed concerns about educators voicing opinions on social media.
“Any educator who makes vile, despicable comments celebrating and encouraging violence in schools will be investigated and held accountable,” he said.
News4Jax stopped by the teacher’s home seeking comment. A man at the home referred us to her attorney but did not name the attorney representing her.
We also spoke with a Constitutional Law expert who cited a Supreme Court ruling that developed a test called the Connick-Pickering test. It allows in some cases public employees to be disciplined by their public employer.
“Basically, there’s a balancing test. You determine whether a teacher was speaking in the personal capacity.Or capacity as a teacher. Then, what was the comment made. Is it something that’s in the public interest? Something the public may vote on? Well that’s probably protected under the first amendment. If you’re saying I agree that political assassination… I wish that it had been trump but ok that it’s Charlie kirk… well that doesn’t pass any balancing test," said former Constitutional Law Professor Rod Sullivan.
State launches portal
What should be considered politically-motivated violence has become a hot topic since Kirk’s assassination, and the swift terminations some faced over their public remarks about his death.
Florida’s Attorney General believes the new statewide "Combat Violent Extremism Portal“ could offer a solution, although AG James Uthmeier did not define what that “violent extremism” might look like.
The site will allow people to send in evidence, like screenshots or videos, if they see threats related to what they believe might be violent extremism.
The reports, which can be made anonymously, will go directly to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and prosecutors will review them to decide if legal action is needed.
“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated in Florida,” Uthmeier said.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay promised that prosecutions of those threatening violence will be swift.
“Any individual who makes a threat that violates Florida law will be dealt with immediately,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the Free State of Florida from political violence.”
Please remember the portal is not meant for emergency reports. If you’re in immediate danger, you should still call 911.