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ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s top education officials are investigating Alachua County School Board Chair Dr. Sarah Rockwell after controversial remarks about the late Hulk Hogan and accusations she allowed law enforcement to threaten a parent over political speech during a public meeting.
The controversy began when Rockwell posted on social media:
“Oh did Hulk die? I didn’t even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world.”
She added that Hogan had been involved in union busting in professional wrestling and that she felt “absolutely nothing” about his death.
The comment drew swift backlash statewide, including from Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, who blasted Rockwell publicly and recommended that the State Board of Education consider withholding school board members’ salaries until they follow the law and respect parental rights.
At the July 31 school board meeting — her first since the post — Rockwell apologized to “everyone who was hurt or offended” and said she takes “full responsibility” for her words, calling them a mistake she deeply regrets. She said the comments do not reflect the values of the district and promised to focus on the needs of students moving forward.
But the meeting itself sparked new controversy. During public comment, a speaker identified only as “Jeremy” criticized Rockwell, calling her “a disgusting, vile human being” and urging her to resign. When audience members booed and tensions escalated, Board Member Tina Certain asked sheriff’s deputies to remove Jeremy from the room. She later rescinded the request after the board’s attorney advised against it.
Kamoutsas later sent a formal letter accusing the board of violating the parent’s constitutional rights and creating “an environment where citizens’ constitutional rights are under attack.” He wrote that by “publicly humiliating this parent for his views,” the board had created a chilling effect on others with similar beliefs.
Rockwell, who has faced death threats and harassment since the incident, says she condemns political violence and does not believe anyone — especially her children — should be endangered over her mistake.
The State Board of Education is set to take up the case at its August 20 meeting, where Rockwell must explain how she is ensuring compliance with state law and what steps the board has taken to “restore parents’ rights”.
The State Board will review the case under Section 1008.32(2)(a), (4), Florida Statutes, which governs compliance with state education laws and legal protections, including parental rights to freedom of speech. If the State Board determines probable cause exists, it could initiate further action against the Alachua County School Board, potentially setting a precedent in how Florida handles alleged political retaliation by education officials.
