Brevard Public Schools Officials Remind Students ICE Protests Must Be Off Campus and After School

“While students may express their views in appropriate, lawful ways outside of the school day and off school property, disruptions to learning and campus operations will not be tolerated.”

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools leaders are warning families that students who participate in planned walkouts or protests on campus during the school day will face disciplinary action, after social media posts began circulating about student-organized demonstrations at several county high schools.

Superintendent Mark Rendell and Brevard School Board Chair Matt Susin said the district is aware of graphics advertising walkouts related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions scheduled for the morning of Feb. 6 at Satellite High School, Viera High School, and Rockledge High School.

District officials stressed that the proposed demonstrations are not sponsored, organized, or endorsed by Brevard Public Schools. According to Brevard Public Schools’ Student Code of Conduct, students in grades 7 through 12 may be disciplined for actions such as disrupting class, being out of their assigned area, or leaving campus without authorization.

The warning comes as students in Brevard plan demonstrations related to immigration enforcement, and BPS officials stressed that their primary concern is maintaining a safe and orderly school environment and preventing disruptions to instruction.

“Our schools are places for learning, and instructional time during the school day is important,” said Rendell. “For that reason, walkouts or protests during the school day are not permitted.”

Susin echoed that position in a statement posted on the district’s website, emphasizing that while students have the right to express their opinions, there are limits on when and where that expression can occur.

“While students may express their views in appropriate, lawful ways outside of the school day and off school property, disruptions to learning and campus operations will not be tolerated,” Susin said.

Susin urged families to talk with their students about the expectations and to encourage them to follow school rules.

“Brevard Public Schools has been made aware of a proposed student-led walkout being promoted at three high schools,” said Susin.

“I want to be absolutely clear that this activity is not organized, sponsored, or endorsed by the School Board, the school district, or school staff. The School Board is responsible for maintaining safe, orderly campuses and protecting instructional time. Walkouts, protests, or demonstrations during the school day are disruptive and are not permitted. These activities may not take place on school property, nor may students leave their assigned areas.

“Students who choose to participate in a walkout, leave campus without authorization, or engage in protest activity on school grounds will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.  While students may express their views in appropriate, lawful ways outside of the school day and off school property, disruptions to learning and campus operations will not be tolerated,” said Susin.

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