DeSantis Administration Announces Statewide Investigation into Educators Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Murder: “Govern Yourselves Accordingly”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration announced a statewide investigation into educators celebrating Charlie Kirk’s political assassination.

Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas sent a letter to superintendents throughout the state warning that the DeSantis administration will not tolerate such vile behavior.

The letter reads:

TO: School District Superintendents
FROM: Anastasios Kamoutsas
DATE: September 11, 2025
SUBJECT: Upholding Professional Conduct and Ethical Responsibilities

It has been brought to my attention that some Florida educators have posted despicable comments on social media regarding the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk. 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.

This memorandum serves to remind superintendents and their employees that they are held to a higher standard as public servants. Certified educators are also subject to the ethical guidelines established in Rule 6A-10.081, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida. In addition, pursuant to section (s.) 1012.796, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the Commissioner may find probable cause to sanction an educator’s certificate. Furthermore, s. 1012.795,
F.S., authorizes the Education Practices Commission to discipline an educator for violation of Rule 6A-
10.081, F.A.C.

Although educators have First Amendment rights, these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties. An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve. If an educator’s conduct causes a student or his or her family to feel unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment, it may be a violation of Rule 6A-10.081, F.A.C. Florida law allows the Commissioner to find probable cause to discipline an educator
who, “upon investigation, has been found guilty of personal conduct that seriously reduces that person’s effectiveness as an employee of the district school board.”

I expect you to share this reminder with all school district employees. Together, we must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and keep Florida’s classrooms places of safety and academic achievement for every student.

Govern yourselves accordingly.

Teachers are held to a higher standard as public servants and must ensure their conduct does not undermine the trust of the students and families they serve. We will hold teachers who choose to make disgusting comments about the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk accountable.… pic.twitter.com/KzXCCGkvZm

— Anastasios Kamoutsas (@StasiKamoutsas) September 11, 2025

Governor DeSantis added, “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.”

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… https://t.co/nAotVdeqhz

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 11, 2025

WINK reports there are already multiple teachers under investigation, including several educators from Lee County.

Several teachers across Florida are under investigation for questionable social media posts, including some educators from Lee County. The School District of Lee County confirmed they are aware of the posts and are taking action.

“Our human resources department is conducting a review, and we will coordinate with the Florida Department of Education,” the district said. “Appropriate measures have been established to protect the focus of teaching and learning in our classrooms.”

The investigation follows social media posts made by teachers after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis commented on the situation, expressing concern over the content shared by educators.