Story perspectives

Judge Recommends Lifting Teacher Suspension, Ordering Back Pay

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Andrew Manko recommended ending Lee County teacher Mariah Roller’s suspension and granting back pay.
Roller posted a September 10, 2025 Facebook comment criticizing Charlie Kirk’s Second Amendment defense after his assassination.
Manko found the post caused minimal disruption, noting only two parent complaints and a generic principal reply.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas issued a memo condemning educators’ Kirk comments and launching a statewide investigation.

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Story summary

Judge Andrew Manko recommended ending Lee County teacher Mariah Roller’s suspension and granting back pay.
Roller posted a September 10, 2025 Facebook comment criticizing Charlie Kirk’s Second Amendment defense after his assassination.
Manko found the post caused minimal disruption, noting only two parent complaints and a generic principal reply.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas issued a memo condemning educators’ Kirk comments and launching a statewide investigation.