Chesterfield County, Va. – Chesterfield County Public Schools has announced the resignation of school board member Dorothy Hefron following a contentious social media post regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Hefron informed the county of her resignation in a letter, effective December 31, aiming to facilitate a smooth process for appointing interim representatives in her district.
This decision comes shortly after Hefron made a social media post that sparked backlash, in which she stated, “You call me old fashioned, but I remember when it was okay to film the Nazis.”
A screenshot of her comment was shared on Facebook by Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican Lt. Governor and gubernatorial nominee.
Following the resignation, a spokesperson for Chesterfield County Public Schools indicated that they would initiate the process of selecting interim board members for the Cloverhill district.
In her letter, Hefron expressed regret for the distress her post caused, stating, “It was never my intention to shed light on violence or to suggest that harm to anyone would be constantly accepted.” She acknowledged her duty as an elected official to use better judgment in her public statements.
The school board’s members extended their condolences to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk.
When asked about her feelings toward Chesterfield County schools and the Cloverhill community, Hefron emphasized her deep commitment to the district, having grown up there and having her children attend the same schools she did. “It’s an honor of my life to serve the Cloverhill district,” she reflected.
Hefron indicated that her involvement with the school board would be minimal until the end of her term, stating, “We want to have a smooth transition and ensure proper representation for all community members.”
A spokesperson for Chesterfield County Public Schools addressed the situation, stating, “We recognize the threats posed to Mrs. Hefron and her family, as well as to other families commenting on social media. It’s important to remember that threats of violence and death have no place in discourse.” They called for a focus on respectful communication and understanding, especially in politically charged times.
The Chesterfield County Board of Education reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students, staff, and families, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive educational environment for nearly 65,000 students.
