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Sarasota school board adopts policy limiting on-campus student demonstrations in 3–2 vote after hours of public testimony
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Summary
The Sarasota County School Board voted 3–2 to adopt policy 5.301, which defines and restricts student demonstrations and expressive activity during the instructional day after hours of public comment opposing the measure; supporters said it protects instruction and safety.
The Sarasota County School Board on April 21 approved new policy 5.301, governing student disruptions and demonstrations, in a 3–2 vote after an extended public comment period in which dozens of residents urged the board either to reject the measure or to clarify its language.
The policy, presented by Superintendent Connor as intended to "ensure that such activities do not interfere with the safety and the instructional integrity of the school day," passed with votes from the chair, Mrs. Marinelli and Mrs. Rose. Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Barker opposed the measure.
Public speakers argued sharply over the policy’s wording and timing. Christy Carwat, a Sarasota resident who spoke during the agenda‑comment period, asked whether the policy was written "at the request of Mrs. Ziegler to deter or punish student expression that disagrees with her views," and pressed the board to clarify whether penalties could apply to peaceful student protests off campus such as in parking lots. "Does this include district‑owned property used for school board meetings?" Carwat asked.
Dr. Jill Lewis Spector told the board the draft is "a deliberate effort to suppress student voices," arguing the policy creates a separate disciplinary framework for expressive activity and could chill student speech. Cassie Jewell, a parent, said the policy would attach discipline not only for actual disruptions but for conduct "that can be predicted," calling that a "significant shift" that places staff and students at risk of punitive action for anticipated behavior.
Board members framed their votes in competing terms. Mrs. Rose, who moved approval, spoke of the board’s duty to protect learning time and said the district must be able to "maintain focus on academics and the safety of our students." Mrs. Marinelli, who voted yes, said she has spent decades in education and viewed walkouts as disruptive to instruction; she urged clarity but supported the policy to avoid classroom interruptions. Mr. Edwards, who voted no, described the policy as a distraction from budgeting and staffing priorities and said it risked chilling free expression.
The policy text includes definitions for "demonstration" and "symbolic expression" and specifies that discipline may apply when officials can "reasonably forecast" that disruption will occur. Supporters said legal review informed the language; opponents warned the standard of predicted disruption is vague and could be applied unevenly.
Procedural note: Mrs. Rose moved approval and Mrs. Marinelli made the second; the roll‑call voice vote recorded Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Barker as dissenting and the motion carried 3–2.
The board did not schedule further amendments during the meeting; members and speakers said the policy will now govern district expectations around demonstrations during the school day and at school‑sponsored events.
