Published on September 23, 2025 at 3:23 pm
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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.”
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said Monday that his office found probable cause to sanction a teacher who posted “callous, unconscionable comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.”
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The Ridgeview Elementary School teacher came under scrutiny for a social media post shortly after the right-wing political activist was shot to death Sept. 10.
The post in question included a link to a story from the St. Augustine Record and said, “This may not be the obituary we were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me.”
Kamoutsas said the teacher’s comments encourage violence, and he is seeking to permanently revoke her license.
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“Let me be clear. This is completely unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated as these posts continue to circulate,” Kamoutsas said.
Clay School cooperation
The Clay County school district said it is “fully cooperating” with the state’s probe.
A spokesperson confirmed that the teacher remains on administrative leave “pending School Board action.”
Educators have come under particular scrutiny for online comments about Kirk’s death. Some faced backlash and firings for what was deemed “hate speech.”
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.
‘Violent extremism’ portal
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is promoting a new statewide Combat Violent Extremism Portal, although Uthmeier did not define what he considers “violent extremism.”
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.”
The portal is not meant for emergency reports. If you’re in immediate danger, you should still call 911.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
