LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida teacher could lose her teaching certificate after state officials said she made a violent comment about President Donald Trump to students.
An administrative complaint filed June 17 alleges that math teacher Mary Hazel Washburn told students in October that Trump “deserves a bullet through the head.”
Florida’s Department of Education claims the remark violated the state’s professional standards for educators by introducing inappropriate political rhetoric into the classroom and creating an environment that was harmful to students.
Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas has found probable cause to pursue disciplinary action against Washburn’s teaching credentials.
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The complaint further alleges Washburn failed to maintain a classroom free from harmful conduct and intentionally subjected at least one student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
Some parents and students told WTSP they believe teachers should keep personal political opinions out of the classroom.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for any teacher,” student Jeremy Mitchell told WTSP. “They should just focus on what they’re there to teach.”
“I think it’s unnecessary and completely inappropriate,” Parent Nicole Beaman told WTSP. “Unless you’re teaching civics or government, politics shouldn’t be part of the classroom.”
Kamoutsas said in a social media post that educators have a responsibility to encourage respectful discussion, adding that statements promoting or celebrating violence have no place in Florida schools. He also said he intends to seek permanent sanctions against Washburn’s teaching certificate.
According to the school district, Washburn admitted to making the statement during an internal review. District officials recommended her termination on Oct. 28, but she resigned the following day, WTSP reported.
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State officials will now determine whether disciplinary action, including revocation of her teaching certificate, is appropriate.