Florida government: Leon County superintendent misconduct case ‘not special,’ could lose certificate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – In a statement, the Florida Department of Education commented on a misconduct complaint against Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna that could result in him losing his job.

Hanna has opposed the K-3 Parental Rights in Education Act, which prevents young children from being taught about sexual orientation and gender identity.

He also previously defied DeSantis’ order barring mask mandates in schools.

The Associated Press reported that Hanna additionally criticized a “DeSantis-backed bill” that would expand school choice.

“We don’t comment on pending educator misconduct cases,” a Department of Education spokesperson said. “Any teacher with an extensive history of repeat violations of Florida law would be subject to consequences up to and including losing their educator certificate.”

“Nothing about this case is special,” they said.

It’s alleged that some of Hanna’s remarks in an email sent to district teachers that used the phrase “You do You,” in reference to laws like the Parental Rights in Education Act, would be interpreted as permitting teachers violate Florida law by imposing their own beliefs and views on students.

“Let me be clear about one thing– I will always have your back! I realize this is improper grammar but, ‘You do You’!  Continue to teach the standards just as you have always done and do not worry for one minute about naysayers political and others who are trying to mislead people and control what you can and cannot say in your classroom. If someone wants to come after you they will have to go through us and our attorneys,” an email to Leon County Schools teachers read.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. sent a letter to Hanna earlier in April that revealed the department found probable cause that he violated a DeSantis anti-mask mandate directive in 2021 and that the “You do you!” comment effectively gave approval of teachers violating Florida law.

Diaz also reportedly complained that parents were told that their child, if they chose to attend a February protest at the Capitol opposing DeSantis’ education policies, could receive an excused absence.

On the complaint, Hanna said, “never in a million years would I have imagined something like this happening to me.”

“When I started as a classroom teacher thirty-five years ago, all I ever wanted to do was help young people succeed in life,” he said. “To this day, I am still focused and committed to that mission and I am angered and disheartened that this situation has gotten this far.”

Speaking to the Associated Press, Hanna cited the “First Amendment right to freedom of speech” and said he is being targeted “in such a biased fashion.”

“This investigation has nothing to do with these spurious allegations, but rather everything to do with attempting to silence myself and anyone else who speaks up for teachers and our public schools in a way that does not fit the political narrative of those in power,” Hanna said.