Florida will target any teacher engaging in ‘vile behaviour’ over Charlie Kirk assassination

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, sent shockwaves across the nation. Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and father of two, was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah in what officials have described as a political assassination.

While grief and condemnation spread across the political spectrum, Florida education authorities have taken swift action to prevent any related misconduct among teachers.

Florida DOE steps in

The Florida Department of Education announced that it will target any teacher found engaging in “vile, sanctionable behavior” regarding the killing of Kirk. In a memorandum shared with school superintendents and posted to X, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized that while the vast majority of educators uphold high standards, a small number have shared despicable comments on social media celebrating Kirk’s death.

“These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators. Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior,” Kamoutsas wrote in the memo, urging school leaders to remind staff that public servants are held to a higher standard.

Case in Clay County sparks action

The memorandum follows reports of a teacher in Clay County being suspended for sharing a post online stating, “This may not be the obituary we were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me,” according to Florida’s Voice. Kamoutsas commended the superintendent for acting swiftly, writing on X, “I commend Superintendent Broskie @oneclayschools for taking swift action to suspend a teacher who despicably celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk — a dedicated conservative, Christian, and family man.

Such behavior is unacceptable and must have consequences.”

DeSantis voices support

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also echoed the department’s stance on X, noting, “Celebrating the assassination of a 31-year-old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable. Glad @StasiKamoutsas is bringing accountability. It is sad that we’ve seen a number of teachers across America celebrate Charlie Kirk’s murder.”

Limits of First Amendment rights for educators

The memorandum highlights that teachers’ First Amendment rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties. Educators who publicly share personal views that undermine trust with students or families, or make students feel unwelcome, may face sanctions under Florida law. The commissioner has authority to investigate and discipline teachers whose personal conduct seriously reduces their effectiveness in the classroom.Kamoutsas instructed superintendents to share the memorandum with all school district employees to ensure awareness of the ethical guidelines and responsibilities outlined in Florida law.

What comes next

Investigations are expected to unfold across Florida as officials review reported incidents, leaving many to watch closely how schools balance professional standards with personal expression.