Massachusetts school committee member resigns after anti-Trump social media post

A Massachusetts school committee member has resigned after being exposed on social media for telling Trump supporters she hopes they choke on a “piece of (expletive) covered in broken glass.”

The Millbury School Committee has confirmed to the Herald that Sarah Murray’s resignation was “tendered and accepted” on Saturday with her viral post at the forefront of her departure.

“In the days following the 2024 presidential election, personal posts were made by a member of the Committee. These posts do not represent the opinions or views of the Committee or the School District,” the committee wrote in a statement shared with the Herald on Tuesday.

“The Millbury School Committee is committed to representing all stakeholders in the Millbury community and holds itself and the leadership of the District to that standard,” it added.

Millbury, a central Massachusetts town of roughly 14,000 residents, slightly favored Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, 49.5% to 48.5%, in the presidential election.

Murray took to social media to express her disappointment over Trump being tapped as the 47th president.

“Thank goodness we have a piece of (expletive) covered in broken glass instead of a well qualified, intelligent, capable woman,” she wrote. “(Expletive) you, Trump supporters. I hope you choke on it.”

Murray wrote the comment above a post shared by New Yorker Cartoons that quoted an excerpt from comedian and author David Sedaris’ 2008 column, “Undecided.”

“The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. ‘Can I interest you in the chicken?’ she asks. ‘Or would you prefer the platter of (expletive) with bits of broken glass in it?’ To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and ask how the chicken is cooked.”

The far-right Libs of TikTok posted about Murray’s comments on X last Friday, stating “This is the person who dictates policies at your child’s school.”

District officials have since made Millbury Woolies, the X feed for Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School, private, with “only approved followers” able to see the account’s posts. Roughly 1,650 students attended the town’s public schools last year, according to state figures.

Murray, in a one-sentence notice to committee chairwoman Jennifer Nietupski and Superintendent Greg Myers, didn’t explain the reason for her departure.

“It is with great sadness that I submit my formal resignation from the Millbury School Committee,” she wrote in her notice.

Committee member Jessica Berry Bristol alerted residents on Monday of Murray’s resignation in “THE MILLBURY SITE 5.0” Facebook group

“I want to thank her for her service,” Bristol wrote.

Murray was appointed to the committee in August 2023.

“Ms. Murray is a long-time resident of Millbury, a former graduate of Millbury Public Schools, and has two daughters who also attend Millbury Schools,” meeting minutes read. “She is excited to be part of the Committee and bring her professional and parental point of view.”