The 2019 National Teacher of the Year gave praise to the violent neighbour of Rand Paul for attacking the Kentucky senator, and suggesting that Mitch McConnell’s neighbours should follow suit.
Rodney Robinson gave praise to the violent neighbour of Rand Paul for attacking the Kentucky senator, calling him a "hero," and suggesting that Mitch McConnell's neighbours should "step up" their actions against the Senate Majority Leader.
2019 National Teacher of the Year pic.twitter.com/0PQTDxos3v
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv)
His now deleted tweet read "Who are Mitch McConnell’s neighbors? I’m just saying Rand Paul’s neighbor did what a true Kentucky hero should do. It’s your turn to step up." Robinson was named National Teacher of the Year in 2019 by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Rand Paul's wife took issue with Robinson's glee at the attacks on her husband, saying "I am so disgusted by this I have no words. The 2019 “National Teacher Of The Year” is celebrating the violent assault on my husband that resulted in 6 broken ribs and part of his lung being removed. This hateful thug is calling for more violence on Sen McConnell."
She then tagged Jack Dorsey to do something about the call for violence against sitting senators.
I am so disgusted by this I have no words. The 2019 “National Teacher Of The Year” is celebrating the violent assault on my husband that resulted in 6 broken ribs and part of his lung being removed. This hateful thug is calling for more violence on Sen McConnell. @jack https://t.co/JLraxwLaZD
— Kelley Paul (@KelleyAshbyPaul)
On Thursday, Robinson, who teaches social studies at the Richmond Juvenile Justice Center, issued an apology on his own website, having locked his Twitter account, saying:
"I recently made a bad joke on Twitter about Rand Paul’s fight with his neighbors in relation to Mitch McConnell’s neighbors and I was wrong for that. No one should be assaulted. Due to my ignorance of the situation, I didn’t know Rand Paul was seriously injured in the altercation. I apologize for making light of his injuries. I do not advocate for violence against Mitch McConnell."
For Robinson, it appears that the incident was something of a wake up call. He said "I often preach to my students and other teachers that the mirror is the biggest tool for improvement. You have to look into the mirror and ask yourself reflective questions and be honest with the answers.
"It's time for me to look in the mirror and reflect on my recent actions. I use humor to build relationships with my students and coworkers. Humor allows people to let their guard down, be open, express frustrations, and discuss serious topics and situations. However, assault is not funny and should never be treated that way. I was wrong for that."
He called on people to look at his record of teaching and education advocacy, saying that he has "over 20 years in education working with underserved and underrepresented populations of children."
"I will always advocate for children in America no matter their race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or physical ability," Robinson said.
"I was 100% wrong for the Rand Paul/Mitch McConnell joke and once again apologize for my actions. I own this mistake and hopefully my record proves this an anomaly to what I represent. Moving forward, I will be more careful with my words and use my platform to uplift the community I serve."
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