Flagler student Jack Petocz seeks audience with Gov. DeSantis to talk about 'Don't Say Gay' bill

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

After he was suspended following the protest March 3 at Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools — and more schools around the state — FPC student Jack Petocz wrote the following letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

[Read the latest on the Legislature's debate on the issue here.]

The letter has been lightly edited. An image of the letter was posted on Petocz's Twitter account (@Jack_Petocz) and has been "loved" 15.9K times. A logo at the top of the letter says "Gen-Z for Change."

Governor DeSantis,

My name is Jack Petocz, and I am a 17-year-old gay student activist in Flagler County. I organized the statewide walkouts that took place last week in opposition to HB1557/SB 1834. Thousands of your young constituents exercised their first amendment rights to peacefully protest. Since these meaningful demonstrations took place, I have been indefinitely suspended from the Flagler County School District for distributing pride flags at our school's rally.

This legislation is damaging to LGBTQ+ youth across Florida. Restricting discussion of queer people and erasing our identity within public schools will only exacerbate the pre-existing issues that LGBTQ+ youth face, whether that be poverty, homelessness, or mental health. Students should be able to unapologetically express their individuality and identity without fear of their elected leaders seeking to minimize our existence.

In response to the bill's progression, I am requesting a meeting with you to discuss its extensive impacts, and allow you to see firsthand the impact of your party's legislation and agenda. This is not political in nature — it is simply a young person asking their governor to take accountability and explain why he is seeking to target my community. It is my sincere hope that you consider this meeting and do what you were elected to do — represent us all.

Jack Petocz