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NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough

Administrative judge recommends reinstatement and back pay for Lee County teacher fired over social media comments

An administrative law judge has recommended that the Lee County School District reinstate a teacher who was fired for social media comments made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The ruling suggests the teacher is entitled to back pay for the period of her suspension and termination.

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Why It Matters

This recommendation impacts the employment status and financial compensation of a public school teacher and highlights the legal standards for school district disciplinary actions regarding employee social media conduct.

Key Facts

  • Administrative Law Judge Andrew Manko recommended the end of Mariah Roller's suspension.
  • The judge recommended that Mariah Roller receive back pay for the time she was terminated.
  • The dispute originated from a Facebook post made by Mariah Roller regarding the death of Charlie Kirk.
  • Mariah Roller was employed as an educator in the Lee County public school system.
  • The recommendation was issued through the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.

Who's Mentioned

organizationLee County School Board“The governing body that fired the teacher and is the subject of the judge's reco”organizationDivision of Administrative Hearings“The state body overseeing the administrative court process.”organizationLee County School District“The employer that fired the teacher.”personAnastasios Kamoutsas“Former Florida Education Commissioner who initiated investigations into teacher ”personCharlie Kirk“Conservative activist whose death prompted the social media post.”personJodi-Ann Livingstone“DOAH judge who presided over the Theobald case.”personMariah Roller“Teacher at Three Oaks Middle School who was fired and is the subject of the ruli”personAndrew Manko“Division of Administrative Hearings Judge who issued the recommendation.”personMatthew Theobald“Martin County teacher involved in a similar disciplinary case.”