A Kentucky school board chairman’s old social media post calling for violence against Republicans has finally cost him his job. Jeffrey Miller, who has led the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District since 2016, resigned Thursday after his 2018 comments resurfaced, sparking community outrage, as Fox News reports. The post, tied to a Jacksonville, Florida, mass shooting, exposed a troubling mindset for someone shaping young minds.
Miller’s resignation followed a 2018 social media comment where he allegedly wrote, “please shoot republicans,” in response to a mass shooting. The Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District, serving nearly 2,400 students across eight schools in Kenton County, announced his exit through newly elected chairperson Sara Shackelford-Ross. This saga proves that words, even old ones, carry weight when you’re a public figure.
The controversy began this spring when Kentucky Republican state Rep. Steven Doan posted on Facebook about reopening a high school track. Community members, hesitant to publicly support Doan’s position, sent him messages citing fear of retaliation from Miller, referencing his 2018 post. One constituent’s text revealed the depth of concern, noting Miller’s call for “mass shootings against Republicans by the NRA.”
That constituent, wary of repercussions for their child’s graduation, expressed frustration that Miller remained on the board despite his inflammatory words. They mentioned a quiet 2020 apology from Miller, described as a “hush-hush” move to let kids play football. Clearly, that half-hearted mea culpa didn’t erase the damage.
Miller’s 2018 post, as quoted, read: “i'd be ok with the NRA if these psychos were just once the victims of a mass shooting. WINK WINK: please shoot republicans.” Such a statement from a school official isn’t just reckless—it’s a betrayal of public trust. Parents deserve leaders who model civility, not veiled calls for violence.
Doan, alerted to the post’s existence, didn’t sit idly by. He penned a June op-ed demanding Miller’s resignation, condemning the advocacy for “political violence.” The op-ed lit a fire, amplifying backlash against Miller’s continued role on the board.
The community’s response was swift and unrelenting. Days after Doan’s op-ed, someone inquired about the school board resignation process at the County Clerk’s office, signaling Miller’s days were numbered. A friend at the clerk’s office tipped Doan off, confirming the growing pressure.
Miller’s resignation was announced Thursday, leaving the Erlanger-Elsmere board to fill the vacancy. The district must now publicly post the opening for two weeks before the remaining board members vote to appoint a replacement within 60 days. Rachel B. Retherford, a board member, outlined the process, emphasizing transparency.
Doan took to X, stating, “It took the entire community to remove this man, now we must find a replacement who will stand up for our children and community.” His words reflect a broader demand for accountability. No one wants a school leader who winks at violence, even in jest.
Miller reportedly apologized for his comments years ago, according to the Cincinnati Inquirer. But as the constituent noted, it was a “hush-hush” gesture, more about saving face than genuine remorse. A quiet apology doesn’t cut it when you’ve publicly endorsed harm against a political group.
The constituent’s text laid bare the stakes: “Yes, it is old news, but as a public figure, he is, well should be, held to a higher standard, especially to affect children.” Exactly right -- school leaders shape futures, not feuds. Miller’s failure to grasp this disqualified him long before his resignation.
Doan’s initial Facebook post about the high school track wasn’t meant to ignite a firestorm, but it exposed a festering issue. Community members, fearing Miller’s influence, hesitated to speak out. That fear alone speaks volumes about the chilling effect of his words.
The Erlanger-Elsmere district now faces the task of rebuilding trust. A new board member must prioritize students over politics, unlike Miller’s reckless rhetoric. The community’s vigilance ensured his exit, proving that accountability still matters.
This incident underscores a broader truth: public officials can’t hide behind “it was just a post” excuses. Miller’s 2018 comments, even if meant as hyperbole, crossed a line that no educator should approach. The woke idea that words don’t matter unless they’re recent is nonsense—consequences don’t have an expiration date.
As Kenton County moves forward, the focus must be on leaders who unite, not divide. Miller’s resignation is a win for common sense, but it’s also a reminder: vigilance is required to keep schools free from toxic ideologies. The district’s next steps will show whether it’s learned that lesson.
