The Florida Education Association (FEA) welcomes yet another recent ruling by the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), which once again sends a resounding message to anti-worker, anti-public education leaders: Florida educators have a right to due process and free speech.
In 2025, the Lee County School Board suspended Mariah Roller, an educator, for comments made on her private social media. The DOAH ruled in her favor, recommending the district reverse her suspension and termination and provide back pay and benefits.
“This decision correctly reaffirms the rights to due process and free speech for every Florida teacher,” said Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association. “When we unite through our unions, we ensure that educators are protected from being targeted by those prioritizing politics over public education. Educators are leading the effort to strengthen our public schools, and we remain committed to supporting students, families, and communities.”
“Our educators deserve a voice in their workplace, and this ruling makes it clear that the district must respect the professional dignity and constitutional rights of educators,” said Kevin Daly, President of the Teachers Association of Lee County (TALC). “Despite attempts to silence educators—the people who power our neighborhood public schools—we know that when our voices are heard, we’re able to create stronger, safer learning environments for our students. TALC will continue to defend our members’ rights and work tirelessly for the betterment of our schools and communities.”
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CONTACT: FEA Press, feapress@floridaea.org, (850) 201-3223
The Florida Education Association is the state’s largest association of professional employees, with 120,000 members. FEA represents PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, students at our colleges and universities preparing to become teachers and retired education employees.
