State Attorney Phil Archer Finds ‘No Criminal Wrongdoing’ in Brevard Public Schools Masking Disabled Student Incident

By  //  January 24, 2022

incident happened Oct. 7 at Ocean Breeze Elementary involving a student with Down syndrome

State Attorney Phil Archer announced that the review of the Indian Harbor Beach Police investigation into allegations by Jeffery Steel of improper masking of a disabled student by Brevard County Schools staff in October of 2021, was concluded with no finding of criminal wrong doing.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – State Attorney Phil Archer announced that the review of the Indian Harbor Beach Police investigation into allegations by Jeffery Steel of improper masking of a disabled student by Brevard County Schools staff in October of 2021, was concluded with no finding of criminal wrongdoing.

“I want to commend Chief Butler and his investigative staff for a very thorough and professional investigation. After a careful review of the investigative reports, interviews, and evidence provided to our office, we agree with the conclusion reached by the Indian Harbor Beach Police that no criminal acts were committed.”

Archer went on to say that the community needs to use this case as an example about waiting for the investigation to conclude before rushing to judgement.

“This case is a text book example of what rushing to judgment prior to the conclusion of an investigation, can produce in today’s hypersensitive politically charged climate.”

“While concern for the well-being of any child subject to this type of allegation is understandable, the immediate character attacks circulated electronically targeting teachers, administrators, and support staff were not only disturbing, but have been shown to be completely without merit. As leaders and as a community, we must do better.”

In October, Brevard Public Schools released a statement about threats made against staff at Ocean Breeze Elementary after an Indian Harbour Beach father accused the school’s staff of forcing his daughter with Down syndrome to wear a mask by tying it to her head for about six weeks.

“Brevard Public Schools condemns the death threats and other heinous actions occurring against our staff at Ocean Breeze Elementary,” said BPS in a statement.

“Recent concerns over a face mask used by a student are being thoroughly investigated by the district. While BPS appreciates the opinions of the community on this issue, there is absolutely no place for threats of violence or the behavior being displayed against our educators.

“We take any threat made against our education community seriously and are thankful to our local law enforcement who are currently evaluating the threats that have been made against our staff.”

The allegation stems from an incident on Oct. 7 when student Sofia Steele stepped off her school bus with a mask, wet from her saliva, tied to her head with a thin, nylon string, Sofia’s father Jeffery Steele told Fox News Digital, but she did not leave for school with a mask on that day or any day prior.

“The student was given a medical mask exemption as soon as the mother made the request to school leadership,” Brevard Public Schools Chief Strategic Communications Officer Russell Bruhn said in a statement.

“The school district is investigating and is in the process of gathering all the facts. BPS strives to ensure each student educational experience possible and will continue in that effort.”