Jacksonville, Florida – A high school teacher, Amy Donofrio, known for her dedication to empowering students and advocating for racial justice, is facing a potential sanction from the Florida Education Practices Commission. Donofrio, a beloved figure at the former Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, has come under scrutiny for her actions both inside and outside the classroom.
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020, Donofrio, a White teacher, displayed a “Black Lives Matter” banner outside her classroom, sparking controversy within the school district. Despite being asked to remove the banner, she stood her ground, facing consequences for what was deemed a violation of school policy. As tensions escalated, Donofrio found herself reassigned to a district warehouse.
The issue further intensified when it was discovered that Donofrio had face masks in her classroom with a message that said, “Robert E. Lee was a gang member.” School officials raised concerns about this expression of personal views, particularly during a time when the school was undergoing a renaming process to replace names associated with Confederate generals.
As the Education Practices Commission reviews Donofrio’s case, the debate surrounding her actions brings to light larger cultural battles in Florida’s education system. Governor Ron DeSantis has been vocal about his stance on what should and should not be taught in schools, turning classrooms into battlegrounds for various political and social ideologies.
Despite the controversy surrounding her advocacy for racial justice, Donofrio’s students have rallied behind her, collecting thousands of signatures for her reinstatement. She maintains that her actions were guided by a desire to create a safe and inclusive environment for her students, emphasizing the importance of education and empowerment in shaping future generations.
As the fate of Amy Donofrio hangs in the balance, the case serves as a reflection of the ongoing struggle within the education system to navigate issues of race, history, and social justice. The outcome of the hearing will not only impact Donofrio’s career but also have broader implications for educators across the state grappling with similar challenges.