JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Before the start of Tuesday night’s school board meeting a group of community members and Hope McMath herself, gathered and made speeches on why they want McMath to be reinstated.

This conversation didn’t stop outside but continued inside DCPS headquarters, as board members heard from those on both sides of this issue.

“Our task is to be out here rallying on behalf of Hope McMath but Hope McMath is just one teacher; there have been many teachers that have been attacked,” said Monique Sampson during the rally.

Duval county teacher, Hope McMath stands watching and chanting as dozens of community members rallied together, demanding she be placed back in her classroom at Douglas Anderson.

According to DCPS, McMath has been reassigned and is being investigated for comments she made on social media about a city councilman and Charlie Kirk.

“We respect the community’s right to voice concerns and to aim to provide clarity during the process. The district is responsible for ensuring all employees uphold school board policy as well as local state and federal law,” said DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier.

While McMath’s fate remains uncertain, that didn’t stop supporters from defending her inside Tuesday’s school board meeting.

“Though we may weary, persecuted by authority we will not be silent. Free to speak, free to speak,” said Mike Ludwig.

“I ask that McMath be reinstated and that she be allowed to say what she wants,” said another community member. 

“Her free speech was threatened first and now her job, quite literally, is fighting for our community and children,” said Diamond Wallace.

McMath’s current and former students also gave their first-hand accounts of their experience with the educator.

“All that she has taught me is nothing but love, kindness and has never let her political opinions into the classroom,” said Deja Perez, McMath’s former student.

While others spoke out against the teachers’ actions and called for her to be permanently removed.

“Is a teacher excusing an assassination as karma fit to teach in our schools”, one community member asked the board.

“If a teacher is going to make very incendiary comments that are dangerous and students are infected by that, that’s something to consider,” said another concerned community member.

“Trust is a contract between the schools and the community and this teacher broke the contract and needs to be reprimanded,” said Kathleen Perrera. 

“As with all investigations, DCPS is committed to a fair and thorough due process to protect the fairness and to comply with policy we can’t share specific details until the investigation is complete,” said Dr. Bernier.

During Tuesday’s school board meeting, many community members also called out some board members for wearing shirts that read “This is the turning point. “Turning Point USA is a non-profit organization founded by Charlie Kirk. 

First Coast News first reached out to the district pertaining to the matter as was told, “Questions regarding School Board member attire are best directed to Board Chair Joyce. She can provide the appropriate response on behalf of the Board.”

First Coast News also reached out to Chair Joyce late Tuesday night and we’re waiting to receive a response.