News Summary
The Florida Republican Party has demanded the resignation of Leon County School Board Member Darryl Jones after he made controversial remarks regarding conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The GOP criticized Jones’s comments as reckless and inflammatory, suggesting they contribute to community violence. With the emphasis on civility in political discourse, both parties are navigating the fallout from this incident, highlighting the need for accountability among public officials.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The Florida Republican Party has called for the resignation of Leon County School Board Member Darryl Jones following remarks he made regarding conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) labeled Jones’s comments as “disgraceful” and accused him of spreading falsehoods that exacerbate community divisions.
In a statement, the RPOF criticized Jones’s social media post, which referenced the Florida Commissioner of Education’s advisement to teachers not to express negative sentiments about Kirk’s murder. The party described Jones’s words as “reckless, inflammatory, and beneath the dignity of his office,” emphasizing that they were made during a national time of mourning.
GOP Chairman Evan Power firmly stated that Jones chose to spread misinformation rather than demonstrate statesmanship. He demanded Jones resign for what he labeled as hateful rhetoric, suggesting that such comments contributed to the violence that led to Kirk’s assassination. The party further urged Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, to condemn Jones’s statements or risk being seen as “complicit” in the divisive dialogue.
Background Context
Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas had previously issued a letter to K-12 public schools warning educators against making “despicable comments” regarding Kirk. He pointed out that while First Amendment rights are protected, they do not extend to advocacy for violence. This letter came against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny on public remarks made by educators, given recent firings for similar inappropriate comments.
Jones serves as the representative for District 3 of Leon County Schools, which predominantly comprises Title I schools catering to low-income families. In his response to the uproar, Jones stressed his commitment to advocating for families and schools in his district and reiterated his stance against violence.
In addition to demanding Jones’s resignation, the Florida GOP is seeking accountability from Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, indicating that an apology is not enough. The party is likely aiming to strengthen the message against inflammatory rhetoric in the education sector.
Political Implications
Leon County Democratic Chair Ryan Ray emphasized the importance of renouncing political violence and fostering nonviolent civic discourse. The political tensions surrounding Jones’s comments reflect broader divisions in Florida’s political landscape.
Although the state Department of Education cannot impose direct disciplinary action against Jones, only the governor holds the authority to suspend him from his position, with the need for Senate approval. As of September 23, 2025, there have been no investigations or firings within Leon County Schools in relation to social media comments, according to a spokesperson for the district.
The situation continues to evolve as both political parties navigate the implications of Jones’s remarks and the broader conversation about violence and rhetoric in political discourse. This incident shines a light on the responsibilities held by public officials, particularly within the educational system, to maintain civility and accountability in their public communications.
As leaders from both parties call for stronger positions against divisive language, it is clear that the fallout from Jones’s comments will have lasting implications not only for his political future but also for the community he represents.
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Leon County School Board Approves Balanced Budget
Florida State University Basketball Coach Resigns
Florida A&M University Presidential Appointment Contested
Leon County Sees Modest Population Growth Amid Challenges
Leon County School District Announces New Principal Appointments
Leon County Seeks Applications for Children’s Services Council Position
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com
- Google Search: Florida Republican Party
- WTXL
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Florida Voice News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Discourse
- Miami Herald
- Google News: Charlie Kirk
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon 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 Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
