DeSantis backs investigating Florida teachers over Charlie Kirk comments

Tampa Bay Times | By Jeffrey S. Solochek | September 18, 2025

The big story: Gov. Ron DeSantis lent his support Wednesday to calls for investigations, and possible dismissals, of teachers, professors and other government employees who make disparaging remarks about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“No one is saying the government’s going to put you in jail for doing that. But I do think it’s a problem. Is that someone you want teaching your kids when they say that this is something, this assassination should be celebrated? Of course not,” said DeSantis during a press conference.

The ACLU is pushing back against this viewpoint, saying all Americans have First Amendment rights to free speech, Central Florida Public Media reports.

So, too, is the Florida Education Association, which is offering its support to educators who face retaliation for their online comments.

“We are all humans, and I think humanity requires us to not celebrate the death of an individual, an assassination or anything like that. But I also think how we respond in times like these are very important,” FEA president Andrew Spar told WPBF.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising among local officials that the state government is forcing them to decide between voting their conscience on issues, or adhering to the DeSantis agenda.