Who is Sarah Rockwell? Florida school board member under fire for celebrating Hulk Hogan’s demise; issues apology for ‘cruel and flippant’ comment
Alachua County School Board member Sarah Rockwell has come under fire for a controversial Facebook post reacting to the reported death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Rockwell’s comment- “Oh did Hulk die? I didn’t even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world.”- quickly drew backlash online, with critics questioning her judgment and fitness for public office. Amid mounting criticism, Rockwell released a statement acknowledging she made a “cruel and flippant comment,” adding, “I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views.” She further addressed residents, saying, “I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County.”Who is Sarah Rockwell?Sarah Rockwell is an elected member of the Alachua County School Board in Florida, a role that involves helping set policy, overseeing budgeting, and representing public education interests in the district. She was elected to advocate for local students, families, and staff- a responsibility some say her recent comment has undermined. Others have defended her right to free speech, even as public pressure continues to mount.Dr Rockwell holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Special Education from the University of Florida, with academic focuses on early childhood special education, reading disabilities, and autism, according to her website made for campaigning. She has over 20 years of experience in public education, including teaching roles in Miami-Dade, Levy, and Marion Counties, and has worked as an educational diagnostician at UF’s Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training Program.She has also served as a teaching assistant and adjunct instructor at the University of Florida and as an advising specialist at Santa Fe College. Beyond her academic and professional roles, Rockwell is involved in several community and education-focused organisations, including the First United Methodist Church of Gainesville Preschool Board, Education Equity Advocates of Alachua County, and local PTAs.She is a mother of two children with disabilities who were previously enrolled in Alachua County Public Schools and are now homeschooled due to medical risk factors.
