- September 20, 2024
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Jack Petocz speaks at FPC's student walkout on March 3. Courtesy photo.
Jack Petocz speaks at FPC's student walkout on March 3. Courtesy photo.
Jack Petocz, the Flagler Palm Coast High School junior who organized the March 3 "Don't Say Gay" walkouts protesting the Parental Rights in Education bill, said on Twitter that he has been prevented from running for senior class president.
In the tweet, Petocz said he was suspended for passing out pride flags at the walkout at FPC. He posted a letter with the tweet saying he was called into principal Greg Schwartz's office after the rally and was escorted off campus.
"For four days, I was removed from my learning," he wrote. "When I returned, the administration assured me that no further disciplinary action would be taken. A month later, they broke this verbal agreement and placed a level 3 referral on my record. Now, due to this high level of discipline, I am being prevented from running for senior class president. I am continuing to be punished for standing up for my identity and against widespread hatred. I've emailed administration and the principal numerous times, they're simply ignoring me."
"I am continuing to be punished for standing up for my identity and against widespread hatred."
JACK PETOCZ
Schwartz did not immediately return a phone call from the Observer.
In a statement, the school district said it cannot speak on a student's disciplinary record.
"As for requirements set forth to run for office in an on-campus club or organization," the statement continued, "those requirements are set forth by the school and/or that club or organization. The district has no say in setting those requirements or in how those requirements are enforced."
In his letter, Petocz said he had purchased more than 300 pride flags to distribute at the pre-arranged walkout and was told by administrators the flags would not be allowed because they were a "political statement."
He said he told students to keep their flags "and continue marching on bravely."
Petocz asked for support, adding a link to a pre-written email addressed to Schwartz, Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and FPC assistant principal David Bossardet, imploring the administrators "to remove this referral and allow Jack to run."
Petocz received national attention for helping to organize the March 3 student walkouts around the state. He is a political strategy associate for Gen-Z for Change, which identifies itself as "a coalition of 500+ creators and activists leveraging the power of the internet to educate and mobilize our generation to create change."
PEN America, a non-profit that defends freedom of speech, is honoring Petocz with the PEN/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award at a gala in New York on May 23.
