A Milwaukee public school teacher has been placed on leave after tweeting that he hoped conservative radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh dies from his recently diagnosed lung cancer.
“Limbaugh absolutely should have to suffer from cancer,” high school teacher Travis Sarandos said on Twitter. “It’s awesome that he’s dying, and hopefully it is as quick as it is painful.”
The school district initially declined to take action against the teacher and explained that Sarandos was not speaking for the school district. However, they confirmed later that Sarandos has been placed on leave pending an investigation, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Limbaugh, 69, announced on his nationally syndicated radio show recently that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
Rush Limbaugh announces he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
The radio host said that he would likely miss some time on the program while he undergoes treatment. pic.twitter.com/9n1Pw7ZS7G
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 3, 2020
The announcement garnered sympathy from all across the country, including from President Trump, who wished the “fantastic political talent” a “speedy recovery.”
Trump also celebrated Limbaugh’s career in radio by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
“He is the greatest fighter and winner you will ever meet.” @realDonaldTrump asks @FLOTUS to present Rush Limbaugh with the Presidential of Medal of Freedom during #SOTU address pic.twitter.com/Zd5sq1xbHY
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 5, 2020
Over the past week, several political media figures joined Sarandos in wishing ill upon Limbaugh.
Author and CNN personality Reza Aslan suggested that the world would be a better place without Limbaugh in it.
“Ask yourself this simple question: is the world a better place or a worse place with Rush Limbaugh in it?” he said on Twitter.
Ask yourself this simple question: is the world a better place or a worse place with Rush Limbaugh in it?
— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) February 3, 2020
Rush Limbaugh is expected to return to his radio program on Friday, which will be his first time back on the airwaves since his Monday announcement.
