Robert Alvero, a member of the Clay County School Board, is under intense public and official criticism following a since-deleted social media video in which he made disparaging statements about the African-American community – citizens whose youth he was elected to represent. The remarks — captured in a Facebook Live video that was removed by Alvero’s account — have prompted calls for his resignation, a formal review by the Florida State Board of Education, and broader questions about conduct and inclusion in local education leadership,
In the video, Alvero characterized “‘80 percent’ of his experiences with the African-American community” as negative, saying they were “nasty,” “rude,” and “problematic,” and that they were “always trying to fight” and “always disrespecting.” He added that the remaining 20 percent were “good, decent people,” but the generalization drew strong rebukes from community leaders and officials.
Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, publicly condemned Alvero’s language as “discriminatory” and “unprofessional conduct” that undermines the trust placed in elected education officials responsible for serving a diverse student population. Alvero has been directed to appear before the State Board of Education at a January 21, 2026, meeting to explain his remarks and ‘conduct unbecoming’ of a school board member.
Kamoutsas noted in a formal letter that nearly 7,000 (17.8 percent) of the district’s roughly 39,000 students are African American, and stressed that discriminatory language from a school board member is particularly concerning given the district’s demographic makeup.
Alvero’s comments have drawn criticism not only from state officials but also from local leaders and civic figures. Clay County School Board Chair Erin Skipper said the remarks “do not reflect the values” of the district and stated that the board will address the matter at its January meeting. She also expressed hope that Alvero would “consider resigning.”
Calls for his resignation have also come from state lawmakers and community advocates, including Pastor Jeffrey Dove of St. James African-American Methodist Episcopal Church, who described the remarks as “disrespectful” and potentially harmful in an already tense political and social environment.
In statements to local media, Alvero expressed regret for how his comments were interpreted, saying that he did not intend to offend and that his remarks stemmed from personal negative experiences earlier in life. He emphasized that he values individuals for their character and not race, and stated, “As a Christian, I love everyone regardless of race,” though he acknowledged his wording was “wrong and offensive.”
Alvero, who also serves as an off-duty firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and is a member of the Florida State Guard, has been reassigned to administrative duties while investigations proceed. A JFRD spokesperson said the department takes “equitable emergency services” seriously and that bias “has no place” in its work.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about public officials’ conduct in diverse communities and underscores the expectations for elected leaders to uphold inclusive values, particularly in educational settings. The school board and state education officials are expected to discuss the matter further at upcoming meetings in early January.