October 3, 2025

Controversial Reassignment Raises Concerns in Local School

News Summary

Hope McMath, an art teacher and activist at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, has been reassigned amid an investigation by Duval County Public Schools. Her controversial Facebook posts, including a remark about a city councilman, ignited debates about free speech and the accountability of educators. McMath’s supporters argue for educators’ rights to express opinions, while the district maintains that the investigation focuses on her online behavior. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding political speech within educational settings.

Jacksonville, Florida – Hope McMath, a part-time art teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and a well-known local activist, has been reassigned amid an ongoing investigation by Duval County Public Schools. The district confirmed her reassignment on September 26, 2025, following controversial posts on her Facebook page that have sparked significant debate.

One of the most contentious posts referred to Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond as a “grand wizard,” a term historically associated with leaders of the Ku Klux Klan. McMath’s comment was made in the context of criticizing budget amendments proposed by Diamond that aimed to ban future city funding for unspecified items not included in the current year’s budget. In her posts, McMath accused Diamond of racism, a claim he has disputed, stating that the amendments were designed to prevent certain issues from arising in the future. These amendments were ultimately defeated after extensive debate.

Earlier in September, McMath had publicly praised four City Council members who walked out during the discussion of Diamond’s amendments, asserting that silence in the face of perceived injustices is unacceptable. Additionally, she has voiced concerns regarding attacks on free speech, specifically in light of Florida’s introduction of an online portal intended to “combat violent extremism.”

The scrutiny surrounding educators’ online behavior has intensified in recent times, particularly following the shooting death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. This incident has led to growing backlash against teachers who express political views on social media. McMath’s reassignment has been interpreted by some as indicative of a broader trend towards disciplinary actions against educators for their online expressions of political opinion.

Duval County Public Schools stated that McMath’s reassignment is temporary and that the district is proceeding with an investigation. However, they did not provide further details regarding the specific nature of the investigation. In defense of McMath, Representative Nixon remarked that her comments were not hate speech and underscored the importance of educators having the freedom to express their views without facing professional repercussions.

Council member Rory Diamond, in response to the situation, expressed that if McMath’s removal were deemed necessary by the school district, he believes students would be better served without her in the classroom. The unfolding controversy has brought to light significant national discussions about free speech in educational settings and the ramifications for educators who communicate their political beliefs online.

McMath has been recognized as a significant voice in dialogues concerning race, social justice, and the representation of historical events in Northeast Florida. Following her reassignment, she, through legal representation, has demanded timely due process and called for her reinstatement in her position as a teacher. Her lawyer emphasized that the investigation focuses on social media posts made outside of her teaching responsibilities and does not involve students.

The controversy surrounding McMath serves as a reflection of ongoing tensions between free speech and the potential consequences that educational professionals face in expressing their views publicly. As the investigation by Duval County Public Schools continues, the outcome will likely have implications not only for McMath but also for educators throughout the region and beyond.

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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.

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