Politics
Anastasios Kamoutsas threatens salaries of Alachua School Board after Sarah Rockwell’s Hulk Hogan post sparks outrage
Alachua County School Board’s Chair generated outrage after disparaging late wrestler Hulk Hogan. Now, Florida’s Department of Education has threatened her professional credentials and could withhold salaries for the entire board.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas sent a letter to School Board Chair Sarah Rockwell calling out her “unprofessional conduct.” Rockwell on her Facebook page posted “Good. One less MAGA in the world” on Facebook after the wrestler’s death, remarks since deleted but widely covered by Gainesville media.
“You made disparaging comments about the death of a conservative public figure, leading the public to lose confidence in your ability to treat all students and families fairly,” Kamoutsas wrote.
Hogan, a Tampa Bay celebrity who spoke at last year’s Republican National Convention and endorsed President Donald Trump, died on July 24. Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff to honor the wrestler.
In the same letter, Kamoutsas noted Rockwell previously held a teaching certificate, but that Florida educators are expected to “uphold the principles of ethical conduct and demonstrate the maturity and professional judgment necessary to work with children.”
“Considering I will not permit you to hold a Florida teaching certificate, I think it’s time for some reflection on whether you are properly equipped to serve on the Alachua County School Board,” he wrote.
Rockwell posted an apology online for her “cruel and flippant comment.”
“I deeply regret making that comment and have since removed it. I want to make it very clear that I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views. While I strongly disagree with some of the comments Hulk Hogan made, that is no excuse for my comment,” she wrote.
“I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County.”
She read the apology at a subsequent School Board meeting.
But officials for the state agency say it wasn’t Rockwell’s post about Hogan that prompted Kamoutsas’ letter, but how that meeting was handled in which many community members showed up to voice their anger.
At one point in the meeting, one man called for Rockwell’s resignation. “You’re a PhD. Aren’t you a highly educated woman who knows the exact meaning behind her words? Are you? You know what you said, and you should step down,” he said, as reported by WJCB.
The news outlet said the meeting was so cantankerous that at that point, a recess was briefly called.
“The Alachua County School Board violated the First Amendment by having the police eject a parent from their meeting because he dared to speak out against the Board Chair,” posted Education Department Communications Director Cassie Edwards. “This is about a School Board humiliating a parent and chilling the speech of the families they’re supposed to serve.”
Kamoutsas said in the letter that since the School Board failed to ensure a free expression of all viewpoints during public comment, he is recommending the Board of Education find board members in violation of the law and withhold state funding to cover the salaries of all board members.
“You will need to explain what corrective actions have been taken to restore parents rights in Alachua County Public Schools,” Kamoutsas wrote.
Board of Education Chair Ryan Petty reposted the letter on his won social media.
“The Alachua County School Board chair will see how seriously we take parental rights in Florida,” Petty posted. “Some learn best through personal experience.”
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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