High School Teacher’s ‘Hail Satan’ Stunt Leads to Controversy and Leave

Mesa Public Schools is investigating a teacher at Mesa High School who reportedly dressed as a devil and shouted “hail Satan” to students, as described by a student in the class.

Sophomore Nathaniel Hamlet reported that last Wednesday, he entered his class to find the teacher wearing devil horns and holding a pitchfork. Hamlet alleges the teacher waved the pitchfork over the students’ heads while saying “hail Satan” as they entered the room.

Hamlet mentioned that reactions to the incident varied: some found it funny, others disapproved, and some were indifferent. On Tuesday, the teacher explained to 12News that the costume was part of Halloween spirit week, with the theme being “dynamic duos,” and noted that a neighboring teacher dressed as an angel.

The teacher stated that participating in spirit weeks helps him connect with students and make the class enjoyable, emphasizing it was meant to be lighthearted. However, Hamlet expressed feeling insulted by the costume because of his religious beliefs. He recounted telling the teacher to stop and pushing the pitchfork away multiple times, but the teacher continued the behavior.

Nathaniel informed his father, Chris Hamlet, a former Mesa school board candidate, about the incident, prompting Chris to report it to the school principal. Chris expressed his upset feelings as a fellow Christian, emphasizing that the main issue was the teacher’s refusal to stop despite Nathaniel’s requests. The following day, Nathaniel noted that the teacher was absent and has not returned since. Mesa Public Schools confirmed that the teacher is now on paid administrative leave. Nathaniel remarked that while he thinks the leave is fair, he believes the teacher should be fired for continuing the behavior toward everyone.

Chris Hamlet concurs, stating that regardless of the teacher’s intentions, the classroom incident was inappropriate. He argued that if schools are going to exclude Christian themes, then they should also eliminate devil-related content. In a Facebook post from last month, Chris expressed his concerns, saying, “Evil is rampant… we need WARRIORS for CHRIST!”

Chris Hamlet ran for the Mesa school board in 2022, campaigning against what he termed “indoctrination” in schools. He received support from several far-right Republicans, including state Sen. Wendy Rogers and Congressman Paul Gosar, but ultimately finished sixth in a seven-person race. A spokesperson for Mesa Public Schools provided a statement regarding the incident to 12News.

A spokesperson for Mesa Public Schools stated that the administration was notified of the alleged incident late Wednesday afternoon. The Human Resources department began investigating the following morning and placed the teacher on paid leave. The investigation is still ongoing. Some parents picking up their children from school on Monday expressed to 12News that although they disagree with the teacher’s actions, they believe firing him may be too harsh.