Florida judge recommends dropping charges against teacher over social media posts

An administrative law judge has recommended that the state drop charges against Hope McMath, a former AP Art History teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. The charges, which included allegations of gross immorality and professional misconduct, stemmed from Facebook posts McMath made in September 2025 following the death of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk.

Judge Garnett W. Chisenhall ruled that the state provided “no competent, substantial evidence” that the social media posts impaired McMath’s ability to serve the community. The judge noted that the posts did not involve any use or threat of violence. Investigators testified that there was no evidence students saw the posts or that they disrupted school operations.

While the judge recommended dismissal, McMath’s case must still undergo a final review by the state’s Education Practices Commission. McMath has not yet returned to the classroom, as her teaching contract was not renewed following the investigations.