Gainesville, FL – Alachua County School Board Chair Sarah Rockwell issued a public apology at a recent school board meeting following widespread criticism for a social media comment she made regarding the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Rockwell's Facebook post, which stated, "Good. One less MAGA in the world," sparked significant controversy and calls for her resignation. The meeting, held on August 1, 2025, saw a packed room with residents expressing both support and condemnation.
The controversial remark was made in response to news of Hulk Hogan's passing on July 24, 2025. Rockwell's comment quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from various groups, including the Alachua County Republican Party, which formally called for her to step down from her position. Critics argued that the statement was insensitive and inappropriate for an elected public official.
During the August 1st board meeting, Rockwell reiterated her apology, acknowledging the distress her words caused. "This mistake was mine alone, and I regret that it has distracted from the important work we are doing in this district," Rockwell stated, also revealing she had received death threats following the incident. She had previously issued an apology on her professional Facebook page, describing her remarks as "cruel and flippant."
The meeting was marked by high tensions as numerous individuals signed up for public comment. While the tweet from Crystal Marull claimed "leftists lost it when conservative Jeremy called her out at the meeting," and alleged threats of "police removal" and shouting of "white supremacist," broader reports indicated a mixed public sentiment. Many attendees expressed support for Rockwell, condemning the backlash she faced, while others continued to voice their disapproval of her initial comment.
Sarah Rockwell, who holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Special Education from the University of Florida, was elected to the Alachua County School Board in 2022 and currently serves as its chair. Her background includes advocacy for children with disabilities and a focus on ensuring safe and quality education for all students. The incident highlights the increasing political polarization impacting local governance and public discourse.