Florida Education Leader Criticizes Teachers Amid Controversy Over Student Walkouts: A Harmful Message?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State Board of Education has recently turned its attention towards the Florida Education Association, a prominent teachers’ union, following a series of student walkouts that have disrupted several schools across the state.

According to a statement from education officials, the union has been accused of engaging in “politically motivated activity,” which they claim has placed activism above the primary goal of education. This criticism comes in the wake of these walkouts, which have sparked considerable debate over the role of political expression in educational settings.

The release further highlighted concerns from State Board members who were troubled by what they described as the union’s public endorsement of the protests. These demonstrations occurred during school hours, raising alarms about the potential impact on students’ academic focus. Furthermore, the board voiced dismay over the union’s silence as students faced disciplinary measures that could have lasting implications on their academic records.

In recent weeks, the protests have gained momentum, with students from various high schools across Florida exiting their classrooms to voice opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The movement has drawn significant attention, both for its cause and the implications of student participation during school hours.

[BELOW: Florida school districts warn of consequences as ICE protest walkouts spread]

“Florida’s classrooms are for learning, not political activism,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “When the state’s teachers’ union encourages students to walk out of class to protest, it not only contradicts their claimed support for educators but also sends a harmful message about the role and purpose of public schools.”

Education officials said that the FEA held a news conference earlier this month, where a speaker reportedly characterized the protests as “rather reasonable. It’s rational. And in moments like this, it is required.”

But according to Central Florida Public Media, FEA President Andrew Spar explained that the union does not support these walkouts.

[BELOW: Brevard County schools highlight differences between ICE protest and prior school walkout]

Regardless, SBOE members publicly praised new legislation (SB 1296), which aims to make the following changes regarding public unions:

• Ending Memberships: Establishes a 30-day period by which a union must revoke an employee’s membership and cease collection of dues if requested

• Compensation Info: Expands the information required on a membership authorization to include wages and fringe benefits paid to a union’s five highest-compensated officers/employees

• Deadline Extension: Extends the deadline for a union to fix problems in its registration renewal application from 10 days to 30 days before the commission must dismiss the application

• Recertification Petition: If a union meets the required registration or renewal requirements, it must petition for recertification within 30 days for any of its bargaining units for which less than 60% of members in a given bargaining unit have submitted membership authorization forms and paid membership dues

• Failure to Comply: If a union fails to comply with these requirements, its certification must be revoked, and the union is barred from seeking certification for that bargaining unit for 12 months (this doesn’t apply to public safety units)

“Senate Bill 1296… will give teachers a genuine choice in whether unions represent them or not,” said Vice Chair MaryLynn Magar of the SBOE. “Once signed into law, this legislation will allow our school leaders and teachers to stay focused on what matters most: serving our students.”

If approved, SB 1296 is set to take effect on July 1.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Education recently issued guidance to school districts clarifying expectations related to student protests, safety, and instructional time.

“While students may peacefully express their views, districts are expected to prevent disruptions to classroom instruction and maintain safe learning environments,” the release concludes.