Tallahassee Faces Education Fallout Over Soccer Eligibility Controversy

Tallahassee at the Center of Controversy Over Soccer Players’ Eligibility

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a significant clash between education officials, Florida’s Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., has publicly criticized Leon Superintendent Rocky Hanna for his handling of eligibility issues concerning three middle school soccer players in the Tallahassee area. The controversy erupted just ahead of the district championship game.

What Happened?

The situation unfolded when Montford Middle School was disqualified from the district soccer playoffs after accusations arose that boys from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), a charter school, were improperly playing on Montford’s team. This disqualification followed a game in which Montford secured a victory over Deerlake Middle School.

Why the Disqualification?

Reportedly, parents from Deerlake raised concerns about the participation of the charter school students on Montford’s soccer team, leading the district to initially disqualify Montford’s entire team. However, after further review, the district shifted its stance and stated that only the SAS charter players would be ineligible.

Official Responses

In response to Hanna’s actions, Diaz’s letter criticized the decision to revoke the players’ eligibility just before the playoffs. Diaz emphasized that students from charter schools are eligible to participate in interscholastic activities at public schools, according to district school board policies. He stressed that Montford’s soccer team featuring SAS students should not be disqualified, especially since the SAS does have a co-ed soccer team, which is considered a different category from a boys-only team.

Diaz’s Remarks

Diaz did not hold back in his letter, likening Hanna’s decision to being “more odious than Dr. Seuss’ infamous Grinch, especially given the time of year.” His message urged Hanna to reconsider, stating that failing to do so would lead him to demand Hanna’s presence at the next State Board of Education Meeting.

Hanna’s Defense

In a statement later released, Hanna accused Diaz of flexing his muscles and seeking to intimidate him over what he described as a mere decision-making process. Hanna expressed frustration that he is being targeted by the commissioner, especially amidst ongoing pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic and previous controversies over school policies.

What’s Next?

Montford Middle School is still slated to participate in the district championship scheduled for December 13 at Gene Cox Stadium. However, it remains unclear whether Hanna will adjust his previous decision regarding player eligibility before the game.

A Background of Controversy

This is not the first time Hanna has faced scrutiny. He previously received backlash during the coronavirus pandemic for his stance against Governor Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask mandates in schools. The Education Department found probable cause to assert that Hanna violated a directive intended to limit school face-covering policies. Additionally, concerns were raised about school performance, with state board members querying Hanna’s accountability in managing D-rated schools in his district.

As Montford prepares for their upcoming match, the tension between local education authorities highlights significant issues surrounding school sports eligibility and administrative accountability. The resolution of this incident could set important precedents for future athletic events within Florida’s education system.