NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsAugust 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.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
This recommendation impacts the employment status and financial compensation of a public school educator and highlights the legal standards regarding the off-duty social media speech of public employees in Florida.
Key Facts
- Administrative Law Judge Andrew Manko recommended that Mariah Roller be reinstated to her teaching position.
- The judge recommended that the Lee County School District provide back pay to the teacher.
- The termination was originally based on a Facebook post made by the teacher regarding Charlie Kirk.
- The case was heard by the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.
Who's Mentioned
organizationLee County School Board“The governing body that terminated the teacher and is the subject of the judge's”organizationDivision of Administrative Hearings“The state body overseeing the legal challenge”organizationLee County School District“The employer that terminated the teacher”personAnastasios Kamoutsas“Former Education Commissioner who initiated investigations into educators' socia”personCharlie Kirk“Conservative activist whose death was the subject of the teacher's social media ”personJodi-Ann Livingstone“DOAH judge who ruled on the Theobald case.”personMariah Roller“Teacher at Three Oaks Middle School who was fired for a social media post.”personAndrew Manko“Division of Administrative Hearings Judge who issued the recommendation.”personMatthew Theobald“Martin County teacher who faced similar disciplinary action.”