Deer Valley Censures Board of Education Member Over Mistimed “Nazi Salute”

Deer Valley Board of Education voted to reprimand board member Kim Fisher over an offensive hand gesture she made during a meeting earlier this year.

At the May 26, 2026, board meeting, Fisher used a Nazi salute as a way of expressing frustrations with what she felt was dictatorial behaviors coming from board president Paul Carver and superintendent Curtis Finch. Video clips circulated quickly, sparking backlash across political and cultural spectrums. Although Fisher issued a public apology, she also appeared to defend the intent behind the gesture. Calls for Fisher’s resignation soon followed.

The district’s apology letter remains available on the main website.

At the time of the incident, First Amendment attorney Gregg Leslie told America’s Family, “Some people think [Fisher] was doing something supportive of a Nazi party or a Nazi candidate. It looks evident to me that she was actually saying her opponent was acting like a Nazi.” Leslie also clarified that offensive speech is often protected under the U.S. Constitution.

During the October 6, 2026, board meeting, Action Item “6A. Action to designate Board members to participate in District funded development opportunities (per Policy BIBA)” sought to “limit the use of financial resources for [Fisher’s] district representation.” Community members also requested that the district no longer use public funds when Fisher attends future professional development events.

A community member, who identified as a Deer Valley first grade teacher, addressed the topic during public comment, “I am expected to conduct myself in a manner that represents our schools and strict well…We all want what’s best for [children], but, perhaps, we don’t agree on the best way to do it…No matter how I feel, or how others are behaving towards me, I will not be able to accomplish what I need to or resolve issues if I cannot communicate and behave in a respectful manner.”

Board member Dr. Karen Pack questioned whether the district attorney was aware of Action Item A’s verbiage. Superintendent Finch claimed the language was a recommendation from their legal counsel. Dr. Pack then pointed out that board policy BBBD–Board Removal From Office provides guidance on how to handle a board member discharge. However, using culturally offensive gestures or language does not meet the criteria for removing a duly elected public official.

Dr. Pack concluded that it would be better to amend the current policy “[r]ather than massage a policy to fit one particular person.” She also expressed concerns with Fisher not receiving professional development training for the remaining two years of her term.

During her comments, Fisher accused the district of persecuting her political beliefs and pointed out how those opposed to her views often used the same gesture in reference to President Donald Trump and other Republicans across the country. She insisted that Carver and Finch had spent the last two years “acting like dictators, undermining the community, the public and the basic structure of the board.”

After a tense back and forth, the board voted 3-2—with Fisher and Dr. Pack opposed—in favor of removing Fisher’s access to district funds.