Travis Sarandos, a teacher at the Milwaukee School of Arts, is alleged to have sent a tweet wishing that the right-wing radio host dies a painful death after Limbaugh announced earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
“Rush Limbaugh absolutely should have to suffer from cancer. it’s [sic] awesome that he’s dying, and hopefully it is as quick as it is painful,” Sarandos allegedlly tweeted. Sarandos’ Twitter account has since been deactivated.
Bob Donovan, Alderman of Milwaukee’s 8th District, called for Milwaukee Public Schools to take action against Sarandos.
“It would be easy enough to dismiss ill-written, juvenile nonsense like this were it not for his role in teaching our City’s young people,” Donovan said in a statement. “He is supposed to be an example of the inclusive, tolerant, and respectful spirit of the Milwaukee Public Schools. He is clearly nothing of the sort.
“And he did not make his remarks in private. He made them on one of the most public of platforms where any of his students could easily have seen them. Mr Sarandos’ remarks deserve discipline. In the meanwhile, he has no business in an MPS system classroom,” Donovan said.
Milwaukee Public Schools have since confirmed that Sarandos has been placed on leave pending further investigations.
“We are aware of Mr. Sarandos’ actions and can confirm that he was not speaking on behalf of any students or staff of Milwaukee High School of the Arts or Milwaukee Public Schools,” MPS spokeswoman Shahree Douglas said in a statement to WISN 12 News. “The district is following policy and procedures related to personnel matters.”
MPS has been contacted for further comment.
During his radio show on February 2, Limbaugh described how he “can’t help but feel that I’m letting everybody down” by announcing his cancer diagnosis.
“I wish I didn’t have to tell you this, and I thought about not telling anybody. I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing because I don’t like making things about me, but there are going to be days that I’m not going to be able to be here, because I’m undergoing treatment or I’m reacting to treatment, and I know that would inspire all sorts of curiosity with people wondering what’s going on,” Limbaugh said.
The announcement came days before the veteran radio host received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
“That is not good news,” Trump said about his cancer diagnosis. “But what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet.”
