Dawn Kitz, a member of the South Orangetown Central School District Board, has resigned following public backlash over a controversial social media post.
The controversy stems from Kitz’s reaction to a Facebook joke regarding assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump. In response to a comment criticizing the “aim” of the attempts, Kitz reacted with a laughing emoji. The original post also included the inflammatory statement, “If you’re going to do it, then do it already!”
Kitz, who had joined the school board earlier this year, submitted her resignation, effective Wednesday, September 25. In a public statement, she acknowledged the inappropriate nature of her actions, saying, “I hold myself responsible and apologize to those offended.”
Despite her resignation, tensions surrounding the incident have not subsided. At a board meeting on Tuesday, October 1, Kitz expressed her frustration over what she described as a difficult tenure on the board. She claimed she had faced hostility from certain board members, alleging they refused to communicate or engage with her. “Board members have a responsibility to work together for the benefit of students and teachers,” Kitz said. “I don’t understand how a board can function effectively under such circumstances.”
Kitz also accused the board of fostering a “culture of bullying” and lamented the treatment she had received since taking office.
During the meeting, Kitz argued that her use of the laughing emoji had been “misconstrued.” However, several community members voiced their disappointment, with some calling her response inadequate.
The South Orangetown Central School District has not issued any further statements regarding the incident.