September 19, 2025

Jacksonville School Official Resigns Following Controversial Comments

News Summary

Leofric Thomas Jr., a city-appointed official from the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, has departed following controversial comments about the late Charlie Kirk. His remarks drew sharp criticism from the city council, leading to a proposed legislation for his removal. Council President Kevin Carrico and others condemned the statements, emphasizing the importance of civility in public service. In the wake of Kirk’s death, investigations into educators’ conduct have also begun, reflecting broader concerns about professional standards on social media. Community vigils have been organized to honor Kirk and promote unity among students and residents.

Jacksonville has seen the swift exit of Leofric Thomas Jr., a city-appointed official formerly of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), following his controversial social media comments about the late Charlie Kirk. This decision underscores the city council’s zero tolerance for rhetoric deemed hateful in light of Kirk’s recent death.

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico took a stand by sharing screenshots of Thomas’s posts, which included a remark suggesting that Kirk “reaped what he sowed.” In response, Carrico announced his intention to propose legislation aimed at removing Thomas from his position, calling for support from both fellow council members and the mayor. He emphasized the inappropriateness of Thomas’s remarks, labeling them as unacceptable.

In a similar vein, Councilmember Rory Diamond also condemned Thomas’s comments, describing them as “disgusting” and stating that they fell short of the standards expected from individuals serving on city boards. This response illustrates a broader consensus among council members regarding the seriousness of the matter.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan weighed in on the situation, stressing that the city must promote love instead of hate, while also noting that the final decision regarding Thomas’s status lies with the council. The JPEF stated that they were handling the matter “internally,” describing Thomas’s posts as inconsistent with their values and code of conduct. They confirmed Thomas’s departure but did not clarify whether it resulted from a termination or a voluntary resignation.

Leofric Thomas issued an apology for his comments, stating that they were misinterpreted and did not imply that Kirk deserved violence. He expressed his commitment to public service grounded in love and equity, condemning violence and offering remorse for any misunderstanding his words may have caused. Thomas reiterated the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue in such discussions.

The aftermath of Kirk’s death has prompted the Florida Department of Education to initiate investigations into teachers who publicly disparaged Kirk online. Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Anatasios Kamoutsas, referred to some of the comments made as “despicable.” This action highlights the growing concern surrounding professional conduct for educators within social media discourse.

The Florida Education Association has come forward to defend the rights of educators while condemning the negative comments made in the wake of Kirk’s death. The association underscored the importance of safety in communities, including schools. Andrew Spar, the president of the Florida Education Association, critiqued the Commissioner’s letter for being accusatory and emphasized the need for professionalism among educators facing social media criticism.

In response to Kirk’s death, numerous vigils have been organized across Florida. These events, including candlelight vigils and memorial marches, have drawn supporters and community members together. Local leaders, such as Pastor Heath Lambert, have expressed their grief over Kirk’s passing while calling for justice. They emphasized the significant impact that Kirk’s messages had on young individuals and the community at large.

Turning Point USA student chapters coordinated a student-led vigil in St. Johns County to honor Kirk and to promote unity among younger generations. Furthermore, Councilmember Rory Diamond underscored the importance of these community gatherings in uplifting spirits and encouraging nonviolence in the wake of such tragedies.

It is worth noting that Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, recognized for his polarizing views and considerable influence, particularly among younger audiences. His untimely passing has sparked significant discussions and reactions across various platforms and communities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Jacksonville Home + Patio Show Set to Inspire Homeowners
Florida Residents Can Now Carry Firearms Openly
Saucy Restaurant to Open in Jacksonville Town Center
Duval County School Board Considers Headquarters Relocation
Paul Renner Enters Florida Gubernatorial Race
Jacksonville Men’s Golf Team Shows Grit at JT Poston Invitational
Former Jacksonville Bus Driver Arrested for Relationship with Student
PARC Group Announces New EverRange Community in Jacksonville
Remembering Robert Redford: A Hollywood Icon
Pembroke Pines Schools Implement Code Secure Protocol

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!