Anastasios Kamoutsas recently told American Family Radio teachers and students across the country have been walking out of classrooms across the country as a way of protesting U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
For example, Libs of TikTok shared a video this week out of the Boston area, where elementary-age students were holding signs and chanting, "No Donald Trump!"
"In New York, it's alleged teachers had students shovel snow and pass out signs for protesters during the school day," Kamoutsas noted. "In other parts of the country, hundreds of students were congregating, blocking entrances to stores, and causing disruptions throughout the area."
He recognized that "students do not lose their constitutional rights when they walk onto a school campus; they do retain the right to free expression, including the right to peacefully protest."
Kamoutsas went on to point out, however, that those rights do not extend to conduct that disrupts instruction, interferes with school operations, or compromises campus safety. Violations to school and/or district policies and/or state law are not protected.
As the state's top official responsible for overseeing public education from pre-K through high school, he has sent a memo to school district superintendents that clearly outlines the expectations for students, teachers, and school and district-based leaders.
Kamoutsas said it aligns with district policies across The Sunshine State, specifically that students are expected to remain in class and that leaving the assigned area or campus without permission – including to walk out for a protest – is often a violation of the student code of conduct and could result in student discipline.
"We make it very clear that this will not be tolerated in Florida," Kamoutsas said.
He also noted his appreciation for superintendents, school board members, and districts across the state that are "really holding the line" and not allowing students to walk out of class during school time.
