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BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – As tensions rise over a planned student protest against ICE, Brevard Public Schools has found itself in a position to clarify its stance on student activism and disciplinary measures. The school district has issued a warning of potential disciplinary actions for students who participate in the upcoming protest, a move that has drawn comparisons to a past event where students walked out for a different cause.
James Sparvero, a community correspondent for Rockledge, recalls being present at Rockledge High School eight years ago during a student-led walkout. At that time, students stepped out of their classrooms for 20 minutes to express support for the Second Amendment, and notably, they faced no disciplinary consequences.
This Friday, the stage is set for another wave of student activism, as pupils from three schools, including Rockledge High, are contemplating a walkout to protest against ICE. This planned demonstration has prompted Brevard Public Schools to consider disciplinary actions, contrasting with their previous approach.
Matt Susin, who serves as the school board chairman, was also a member of the board during the 2018 Second Amendment walkout. His perspective on the matter may be pivotal as the school district navigates the complexities of student-led protests and the district’s response.
[BELOW: Brevard superintendent issues warning ahead of possible student-led protests over ICE activity]
Sparvero wondered, why call for suspending students now, and will Friday be anymore of a disruption than eight years ago?
“Since 2018 to 2026, we have completely new policies and laws,” Susin responded. “Not allowed to protest on campus, not allowed to create a distraction.”
The district’s communications department added to Susin’s response with this statement.
“There’s a difference in leadership priorities between 2018 and today. Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell feels strongly about preserving instructional time and avoiding disruptions to learning, which remains the district’s primary role.
Additionally, in 2018, walkouts occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland and were directly connected to school safety and the experiences of students in Florida schools. Because the issue arose from a school‑based tragedy and directly impacted students in the educational environment, some districts chose to allow limited student expression.
The current protests are not related to school operations, school safety, or a school‑based issue. The district is not permitting or supporting student protests during the school day or on school property and is focused on prioritizing learning.
This approach is consistent with Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969), which allows student expression unless it materially and substantially disrupts the operation of the school or interferes with the rights of others. Districts have clear authority to maintain the instructional environment.
It is also important to note that, at this time, the district is responding to social media posts. It is unclear who authored them, and there is no confirmation that a protest will actually occur.”
Susin said he was unsure how many students might actually participate Friday.
“From some of the reports that are coming back and forth, it seems that a lot of the kids are seeing the fact that it’s just become a bunch of adults fighting each other online and that the true nature of what that protest might be is kind of being lost,” he said.
Stick with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates to Friday’s walkouts.
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