Lee County Teachers Targeted for Termination Over Social Media Posts

Fort Myers, FL – Political targeting and vitriol have intensified across the United States following the very public death of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025. In Lee County, Florida, several teachers have been publicly singled out for personal social media posts about Kirk, and others in the district are facing investigations for similar expression.

Democracy4Ever, a Southwest Florida–based nonprofit founded in 2023, is dedicated to informing the public about the importance of democracy, sharing voter information, and rallying citizens to action on critical issues. The organization began investigating the targeting of Lee County teachers after confusion and tensions escalated online.

"At Democracy4Ever, we believe our schools should be places of learning, not political intimidation," said Danika Fornear, Chair of Democracy4Ever. "When teachers are targeted for their personal views, it threatens not only their livelihoods but the very foundation of free speech in our democracy."

Democracy4Ever will deliver its investigative report — along with letters of community support for the teachers — to the Lee County School District Superintendent, Board Members, and administrators at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

"Our role is to shine a light on this injustice and demand accountability — because if educators can be silenced, so can every one of us," Fornear continued.

Democracy4Ever will also held a press conference outside the Lee County School District offices on Colonial Blvd at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Access to the full investigation report on the political targeting of teachers in Lee County can be found here.

The mission of Democracy4Ever is to promote and support the common good and general welfare of all citizens, and to uplift candidates and organizations that align with these democratic values.