Florida Schools Reinforce Protest Guidelines as Student Immigration Demonstrations Spread

Leon County Schools clarifies rules after Lincoln High walkout, as state education officials warn against 'pushing political views'

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Amid increasing student walkout protests across the U.S. over federal immigration enforcement, school districts across Florida are reinforcing their guidelines on student activism. The Florida Department of Education and Leon County Schools have issued memos clarifying that while they recognize students' constitutional right to peacefully protest, they will not tolerate disruptions to instructional time, school operations, or campus safety. This comes after a recent protest at Tallahassee's Lincoln High School, where hundreds of students walked out during lunch to advocate for 'peace and equality'.

Why it matters

These protests highlight the growing tensions around immigration policies and the role of schools in addressing political issues. While schools must balance students' free speech rights with maintaining order, the response from officials raises concerns about potential overreach in restricting student activism.

The details

Following a memo from Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas warning districts against 'encouraging school protests and pushing political views onto students', Leon County Schools sent a message to parents reiterating that disruptive protests would face disciplinary action. However, the student organizer of the Lincoln High walkout, Mara Stopyak, said she felt the school's guidelines were reasonable and that the experience has inspired her to continue advocating for change in the broader community.

  • On February 3, 2026, the Florida Department of Education issued a memo to all school districts.
  • On February 2, 2026, the protest took place at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee.

The players

Anastasios Kamoutsas

The Florida Education Commissioner who sent a memo to school districts warning against encouraging protests and pushing political views onto students.

Mara Stopyak

A student at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee who organized the recent protest against federal immigration enforcement.

Leon County Schools

The school district that reinforced its guidelines on student activism after the protest at Lincoln High School.

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What they’re saying

“We will not tolerate educators encouraging school protests and pushing their political views onto students, especially ones that disparage law enforcement.”

— Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida Education Commissioner (X)

“I started with putting up posters to advocate for peace and equality. Genuinely just trying to educate people because there are people screaming at other students that they need to go back to their country, that they don't belong here, that they should be deported.”

— Mara Stopyak, Student Organizer (WTXL)

“Just seeing the response, negative and positive, shows that my voice has an impact, and I feel like that just, that inspires me to do more good and to advocate for change and equal rights.”

— Mara Stopyak, Student Organizer (WTXL)

What’s next

The district said no disciplinary action was taken against the students in the recent protest, but it remains to be seen how schools will respond to future demonstrations.

The takeaway

These protests highlight the delicate balance schools must strike between respecting students' free speech rights and maintaining order, as well as the broader political tensions around immigration policy that are spilling into the classroom.