When Charlie Kirk was gunned down earlier this month, millions of conservatives across the country felt the loss.
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, spent more than a decade rallying young Americans to stand up for free markets, faith, and limited government.
But instead of sympathy, several have chosen to make light of Kirk’s death – including this Florida teacher.
MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA – VILE TEACHER & TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT ATTACKS CHARLIE KIRK’S KIDS!!!
Teachers Union President & Classroom History Teacher MATT THEOBALD:
“Turning Point is a modern day Hitler Youth Organization”
Attacks Charlie Kirk’s children: “How are those kids… pic.twitter.com/Fj0VuoUvnH
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) September 13, 2025
The Incident in Florida
Matthew Theobald, a social studies teacher at Spectrum Academy in Martin County, Florida, was removed from the classroom after posting controversial comments online about Kirk’s murder.
According to CBS12 News (Sept. 13, 2025), the state Department of Education is reviewing his conduct. Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas has said the state won’t tolerate “vile” behavior from teachers who mock tragedies online.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his education team have been pushing hard in recent years to hold teachers accountable not just for what they teach in the classroom, but also for how they carry themselves online.
That push has already led to suspensions and firings for similar incidents. In fact, another North Florida teacher was also suspended for comments about Kirk’s death.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy comes just days after Kirk’s tragic death on September 10, 2025. He was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has not confessed and is refusing to cooperate with investigators, Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed on September 15.
The Martin County School District said it is working with the Florida Department of Education to make sure classrooms remain “safe and respectful” while the investigation plays out.
Parents in Florida are demanding reassurance that political bias won’t spill over into teaching kids.
Why Conservatives Are Concerned
For conservatives, the issue goes far beyond one teacher’s poor judgment. It raises important questions about the culture inside public schools.
If a teacher feels comfortable mocking the murder of a conservative leader, how fair are they being to conservative students in class?
This is something Nevadans understand well. Parents here have fought battles over school choice, curriculum transparency, and political bias in the classroom.
When taxpayer dollars fund the system, families expect schools to focus on reading, writing, and math – not on pushing political agendas or allowing teachers to sneer at tragedy.
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk built, is part of that fight. In Nevada, TPUSA has helped young conservatives challenge everything from “equity” mandates in classrooms to free-speech restrictions on campus.
Kirk’s voice gave many students courage to stand tall. His loss is felt deeply here.
Critics Push Back
Critics argue that teachers should have free speech online, even if it’s offensive. Some say punishing educators for their posts could create a “chilling effect.”
But conservatives counter that teachers are public employees, trusted with shaping the minds of children. That comes with responsibility.
Why It Matters
The fight over culture in schools isn’t just happening in Florida. It’s happening everywhere, including Nevada.
Families are watching closely to see how school leaders handle these issues. Will they stand up for respect and decency, or will they look the other way?
Charlie Kirk believed America’s future depended on giving young people the truth, not a watered-down or politically correct version of it. His death is a sobering reminder of how high the stakes are.
And the Florida teacher’s behavior is a reminder of how far the rot has spread inside the education system.
Whether in Florida, Nevada, or anywhere else, parents and communities must stay engaged.
It’s not just about one teacher’s words. It’s about making sure the next generation grows up with respect for life, liberty, and the values that make America strong.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
