ORANGETOWN, NY – Dawn Kitz, a member of the South Orangetown Central School District Board, has resigned after receiving backlash over a controversial social media post.
The post in question involved Kitz’s response to a poor-humor Facebook joke about the recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump. Kitz used a laughing emoji to react to a comment about the lack of “aim” in the attempt. The original post also made the inflammatory statement, “If you’re going to do it, then do it already!”
Kitz, who joined the board earlier this year, tendered her resignation effective Wednesday, September 25, after acknowledging the offensive nature of her actions. In a statement to the community, she said, “I hold myself responsible and I apologized to those offended.”
However, the fallout has not ended with her resignation. During a Tuesday, October 1 board meeting, Kitz voiced her frustration with the difficulties she faced during her brief tenure on the board. She claimed she was met with hostility from some fellow board members, who, she said, refused to communicate or acknowledge her presence. “The board members have a responsibility to work with each other to serve the students and teachers,” Kitz said, adding, “I truly don’t understand how a board can function effectively under such circumstances.”
Kitz also accused the board of fostering a culture of bullying, lamenting the treatment she had received since taking office.
Kitz argued during the meeting that her emoji use had been “misconstrued,”. Several community members expressed disappointment, with some calling her response insufficient.
The South Orangetown Central School District has not issued further statements on the incident.