Florida’s top education official has threatened disciplinary action against teachers who posted “despicable comments” online following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said educators found engaging in “vile, sanctionable behavior” could face investigations that may cost them their teaching certificates. The warning has sparked fierce debate between state leaders and teachers’ unions.
Commissioner Issues Warning
In a memo Thursday, Kamoutsas condemned educators who celebrated Kirk’s death on social media. “These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators,” he wrote. He emphasized that teachers are held to higher standards as public servants and must not undermine the trust of students and families.
Threat of Certification Loss
The commissioner confirmed that educators who violate professional ethics could lose their teaching certificates. While acknowledging First Amendment rights, he argued those rights “do not extend without limit into their professional duties.” Kamoutsas stressed that publicly expressed personal views may erode the confidence of the school communities teachers are expected to serve.
Union Pushes Back
Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar urged educators to be cautious about posting online. “Social media is not our friend,” he said in a Friday Facebook video. Speaking later with News 6, Spar accused Kamoutsas of using intimidation tactics. “The commissioner can take a very different tone… one that is supportive and guiding teachers, rather than one that sends a chilling effect across our districts.”
Teachers Placed on Leave
Spar revealed that at least eight teachers across the state had already been placed on leave for posts linked to Kirk’s assassination. “There has to be due process. There has to be an investigation,” he insisted, adding that disciplinary reviews should be handled by the Department of Education’s professional practices division — not the commissioner personally.
Local District Investigations
The Osceola County School District confirmed Friday it is investigating one employee for a social media post connected to Kirk’s death. Officials did not disclose details of the post, citing privacy, and declined to comment further. Other districts are reportedly conducting similar reviews as scrutiny intensifies over teacher conduct online.
Political Reactions Grow
Kirk’s assassination has triggered widespread political fallout in Florida. Former President Donald Trump ordered American flags lowered to half-staff nationwide in Kirk’s honor, calling him a “champion of liberty.” Meanwhile, Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini announced plans to rename a major suburban roadway after Kirk, saying he hopes other communities follow suit to honor “a great national leader.”
Suspect Arrested in Utah
Authorities in Utah confirmed Thursday night that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested in connection with Kirk’s killing. Officials said Robinson acted alone in the fatal shooting during Kirk’s campus event at Utah Valley University. The FBI urged the public to come forward with any additional information.
