Holmes County teacher placed on paid leave after alleged comments regarding Kirk’s death

A Bonifay K-8 schoolteacher has been placed on paid administrative leave following alleged comments made on social media regarding the recent fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

While the Holmes County Advertiser has not yet been able to confirm the exact comments the teacher allegedly made, the newspaper was able to confirm an investigation is underway with Holmes County School District Superintendent Buddy Brown, who stated he could not provide further details at this time.

“We make no comments concerning an employee while conducting an investigation,” said Brown.

This investigation follows a growing trend across Florida school districts in which educators are being investigated for online statements. District officials elsewhere have also cited concerns about social media posts that allegedly glorify violence or promote divisive rhetoric. Multiple teachers in Bay County are also under review for similar posts. 

Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas recently addressed the issue of teachers making public comments on Kirk’s shooting, urging educators in a statewide letter to remember the standard of professionalism expected in and out of the classroom. 

“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,” the letter read. “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.”

Meanwhile, the incident in Holmes County is in its early stages. The outcome of that investigation will determine the teacher’s status.