State Education Commission to Determine Penalty for Former Pasco Teacher Who Made Trump Assassination Comment

June 28, 2026 - 10:31

A former Pasco County math teacher who resigned after telling students that Donald Trump "deserved a bullet through the head" may soon lose her teaching certificate. The Florida State Education Commission is now set to determine the penalty for Mary Hazel Washburn, who made the comment in class before the 2024 election.

Washburn resigned from her position at a Pasco County school shortly after the remark came to light. The comment, which referenced an assassination attempt on the former president, sparked immediate backlash from parents and community members. School district officials launched an investigation and referred the case to state regulators.

The Education Commission will decide whether to revoke, suspend, or otherwise restrict Washburn's teaching license. Under Florida law, educators can face disciplinary action for making threats or violent statements in a school setting. The commission's ruling will be based on evidence of misconduct and whether Washburn's actions violated professional standards.

Washburn has not publicly commented on the pending decision. Her attorney has argued that the comment was made in the heat of a political discussion and did not represent a genuine threat. However, state officials maintain that such remarks have no place in a classroom, especially given the heightened security concerns surrounding political figures.

The case highlights ongoing tensions over political speech in schools. Florida has seen several similar incidents in recent years, with teachers facing discipline for expressing controversial opinions to students. The commission is expected to issue its final ruling within the next few months.