Video: Unity urged after Charlie Kirk’s death.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Education sent a letter to state educators Thursday warning them that they will be held accountable for any “despicable comments” made online regarding Charlie Kirk’s death.
Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote in the letter dated Thursday, Sept. 11 that some social media posts of that nature had been brought to his attention. Though, he said, the posts are not a reflection of “the vast majority of Florida’s educators.”
“Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior,” his letter stated.
Kirk, a well-known conservative media figure, died Wednesday, Sept. 10 after being shot in the neck while answering questions at an “American Comeback Tour” event. Multiple people have come under scrutiny for comments made after the shooting, including Matthew Dowd, a political operative and contributor to MSNBC, who was fired by the network.
Kamoutsas said his letter was intended to remind school district superintendents and their employees that they “are held to a higher standard as public servants.” He added that “an educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve.”
The letter also states that any educator who is found to have violated ethical guidelines or rules established in the Florida Administrative Code could be disciplined. This could include sanctioning an educator’s certificate.
The letter was sent to school district superintendents and intended to be shared with district employees.
Kamoutsas concluded the letter with one sentence, writing, “Govern yourselves accordingly.”
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