DCPS high school teacher settles lawsuit over Black Lives Matter flag

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools has settled a lawsuit with a former Riverside High School School.

The lawsuit began after Amy Donofrio hung a Black Lives Matter flag outside her classroom and was then told to take it down several months later.

“I have stood with my students and the youth in Jacksonville, Florida for the past nine years and that has not changed. In fact, I plan to stay even taller and hopefully effects and policy change,” she says of her life after the lawsuit.

Donofrio says she will continue to advocate for students from outside the classroom.

“Well my situation has made clear to me and my termination has made clear to me the level of race schism that is still present in our county and the amount of work there is for us to do here.”

Donofrio sued the school district, as well as former principal supervisor, Scott Schneider, in federal court for “relentless retaliation and violation of her rights to free speech and expression.”

On Aug. 3, the school board approved the settlement 6-1 at a board meeting. Although due to their agreement they cannot discuss details, including the amount paid out.

“I hate that I’m not there this fall but I don’t have any regrets about standing by my students.”

Donofrio says as the entire situation ends, she wants to see real changes in the county, including more support for students of color.

“I would really like to call to action for our city and our county to use the opportunities that we get to make a strong statement about supporting our students - particularly our black students, she said.”

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