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{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Jack Petocz|timestamp=20240406185819|year=2024|month=April|day=6|substed=yes}}
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{{Short description|American LGBTQ rights activist}}
{{Short description|American LGBTQ rights activist}}
{{Multiple issues|
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{{Puffery|date=August 2023}}
{{Notability|Biography|date=August 2023}}
{{POV|date=August 2023}}
}}
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{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Jack Petocz
| name = Jack Petocz
| image =
| image = JackPetocz2022.jpg
| caption = Petocz in 2022
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|9|8}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|9|8}}
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'''Jack Petocz''' (born September 8, 2004)<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1567729852190449664|user=Jack_Petocz|title=18! :) Watch out @GovRonDeSantis, I’m of voting age. 😉|author=Jack Petocz|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=February 27, 2023}}</ref> is an American student activist, the founder and director of Recall FCSB'','' and a political strategist for the nonprofit organization [[Gen-Z for Change]]''.''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2022 |title=Gen-Z for Change - About Us |url=https://genzforchange.org/about/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> He identifies as gay and speaks openly about his experiences as an [[LGBT|LGBTQ+]] person.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Padgett |first=Donald |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Gay Florida Student Who Led Protest Can't Run for Class President |url=https://news.yahoo.com/student-led-dont-gay-protest-143845459.html |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> As an activist, he has protested publicly in opposition of public-school policing in the state of [[Florida]] related to discriminatory [[Book censorship|book bans]], [[dress code]] policies, and [[Florida House Bill 1557|Parental Rights in Education]] legislation which he believes further marginalize [[Minority group|minorities]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=PEN America to Honor Florida High School Activist Jack Petocz for Organizing Book Ban and 'Don't Say Gay' Protests Statewide |url=https://pen.org/press-release/pen-america-to-honor-florida-high-school-activist-jack-petocz-for-organizing-book-ban-and-dont-say-gay-protests-statewide/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=PEN America |language=en}}</ref> His writing about LGBTQ+ rights have been featured in many [[publication]]s including ''FlaglerLive,''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2021 |title=An FPC Student's Perspective: Time to Rethink Inequitable and Irrational Dress Code in Flagler Schools |url=https://flaglerlive.com/167176/petocz-dress-code/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]],''<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Elizabeth A. |last2=Alter |first2=Alexandra |date=January 30, 2022 |title=Book Ban Efforts Spread Across the U.S. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/books/book-ban-us-schools.html |access-date=May 10, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''[[MSNBC]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title='You're just erasing identities as a whole' Student and Author on the impact of book bans |url=https://www.msnbc.com/katy-tur/watch/-you-re-just-erasing-identities-as-a-whole-student-and-author-on-the-impact-of-book-bans-132292165757 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=MSNBC.com |language=en}}</ref>
'''Jack Petocz''' (born September 8, 2004) is an American student activist. He is the founder of Recall FCSB and a political strategist with the nonprofit organization [[Gen-Z for Change]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2022 |title=Gen-Z for Change - About Us |url=https://genzforchange.org/about/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> He identifies as gay and speaks about his experiences as an [[LGBT|LGBTQ+]] person.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Padgett |first=Donald |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Gay Florida Student Who Led Protest Can't Run for Class President |url=https://news.yahoo.com/student-led-dont-gay-protest-143845459.html |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


As an activist, Petocz has protested against public school policies in [[Florida]] related to [[Book censorship|book bans]], [[dress code]]s, and the [[Florida House Bill 1557|"Don't Say Gay" law]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=PEN America to Honor Florida High School Activist Jack Petocz for Organizing Book Ban and 'Don't Say Gay' Protests Statewide |url=https://pen.org/press-release/pen-america-to-honor-florida-high-school-activist-jack-petocz-for-organizing-book-ban-and-dont-say-gay-protests-statewide/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=PEN America |language=en}}</ref> His activism and writing about LGBTQ+ rights has been featured in ''FlaglerLive,''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2021 |title=An FPC Student's Perspective: Time to Rethink Inequitable and Irrational Dress Code in Flagler Schools |url=https://flaglerlive.com/167176/petocz-dress-code/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]],''<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Elizabeth A. |last2=Alter |first2=Alexandra |date=January 30, 2022 |title=Book Ban Efforts Spread Across the U.S. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/books/book-ban-us-schools.html |access-date=May 10, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''[[MSNBC]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title='You're just erasing identities as a whole' Student and Author on the impact of book bans |url=https://www.msnbc.com/katy-tur/watch/-you-re-just-erasing-identities-as-a-whole-student-and-author-on-the-impact-of-book-bans-132292165757 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=MSNBC.com |language=en}}</ref>
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== Early life ==

⚫
Petocz attended Rymfire Elementary School,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Shaun |title=Rymfire student group welcomes newcomers to school |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2017/02/27/rymfire-student-group-welcomes-newcomers-to-school/22053812007/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Indian Trails Middle School,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2018 |title=Flagler Schools Future Problem Solvers earn six awards at International Conference {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/photo-gallery/flagler-schools-future-problem-solvers-earn-six-awards-at-international-conference |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref> and [[Flagler Palm Coast High School]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=FlaglerLive |date=2022-03-08 |title=A Storied Gay-Pride Flag Doubles Down Outside FPC as Veterans Lead Protest of Student Leader's Suspension |url=https://flaglerlive.com/173871/veterans-petocz-demonstration/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref>
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== Early life and education==
⚫
Petocz was born on September 8, 2004.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1567729852190449664|user=Jack_Petocz|title=18! :) Watch out @GovRonDeSantis, I'm of voting age. 😉|author=Jack Petocz|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=February 27, 2023}}</ref> He attended Rymfire Elementary School,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Shaun |title=Rymfire student group welcomes newcomers to school |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2017/02/27/rymfire-student-group-welcomes-newcomers-to-school/22053812007/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Indian Trails Middle School,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2018 |title=Flagler Schools Future Problem Solvers earn six awards at International Conference {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/photo-gallery/flagler-schools-future-problem-solvers-earn-six-awards-at-international-conference |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref> and [[Flagler Palm Coast High School]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=FlaglerLive |date=2022-03-08 |title=A Storied Gay-Pride Flag Doubles Down Outside FPC as Veterans Lead Protest of Student Leader's Suspension |url=https://flaglerlive.com/173871/veterans-petocz-demonstration/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Activism ==
== Activism ==


=== Equitable Dress Code for Students ===
=== Student dress codes ===
On August 23, 2021, in an [[op-ed]] with ''Flagler Live'',<ref name=":4" /> Petocz voiced his opinion on the school district’s [[dress code]] policy and brought attention to a petition to have it changed.<ref name=":4" /> He stated that the dress code stripped students of all individuality and expression adding that female students were particularly adversely affected.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Nikki |title=5 things to know about Jack Petocz, Flagler student suspended for handing out pride flags |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/04/5-things-know-jack-petocz-flagler-student-suspended-pride-flags-dont-say-gay-walkout/9373472002/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref>
On August 23, 2021, in an [[op-ed]] with ''Flagler Live'',<ref name=":4" /> Petocz voiced his opinion on the school district's [[dress code]] policy and brought attention to a petition to have it changed.<ref name=":4" /> He stated that the dress code stripped students of all individuality and expression, adding that female students were particularly adversely affected.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Nikki |title=5 things to know about Jack Petocz, Flagler student suspended for handing out pride flags |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/education/2022/03/04/5-things-know-jack-petocz-flagler-student-suspended-pride-flags-dont-say-gay-walkout/9373472002/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Opposition to State Governed Book Bans ===
=== Book bans in schools ===
⚫
{{POV|section|date=August 2023}}
In November 2021, Petocz organized a [[protest]] challenging the Flagler County School Board for a [[Book censorship|book ban]] which called to remove books about LGBTQ+ characters and racism in the classroom.<ref name=":5" />
In November 2021, Petocz organized a protest challenging the Flagler County School Board for a [[Book censorship|book ban]] which called to remove books about LGBTQ+ characters and racism in the classroom.<ref name=":5" />


Petocz, the only student in recent memory that a school board member censored as he was addressing the board, mobilized a protest after Board member Jill Woolbright filed a challenge to four titles in school libraries. The challenge caused the titles to be removed from circulation. Woolbright in a criminal complaint filed with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and later in statements at school board meetings declared one of the circulation titles as criminal because of its sexual themes. Woolbright was supported by Board member Janet McDonald (the board member who’d censored Petocz), who used similar language to describe some of the books in question, especially [[George Matthew Johnson|George Johnson]] ''[[All Boys Aren't Blue|All Boys Aren’t Blue]]'', a memoir of growing up Black and [[queer]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2022 |title=FPC's Jack Petocz Is Featured at Length in Page One New York Times Story on Schools' Book Bans |url=https://flaglerlive.com/172406/fpcs-jack-petocz-nyt/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref>
Petocz, the only student in recent memory that a school board member censored as he was addressing the board, mobilized a protest after Board member Jill Woolbright filed a challenge to four titles in school libraries. The challenge caused the titles to be removed from circulation. Woolbright in a criminal complaint filed with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and later in statements at school board meetings declared one of the circulation titles as criminal because of its sexual themes. Woolbright was supported by Board member Janet McDonald (the board member who had censored Petocz), who used similar language to describe some of the books in question, especially [[George Matthew Johnson|George Johnson]] ''[[All Boys Aren't Blue]]'', a memoir of growing up Black and [[queer]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 31, 2022 |title=FPC's Jack Petocz Is Featured at Length in Page One New York Times Story on Schools' Book Bans |url=https://flaglerlive.com/172406/fpcs-jack-petocz-nyt/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US |author1=Flaglerlive }}</ref>


Petocz was featured in ''[[The New York Times]]'' for organizing the protest against the Flagler County School Board for banning Johnson’s book from school libraries.<ref name=":5" /> In the article, Petocz said that as a [[gay]] student himself, books like ''All Boys Aren't Blue'' are critical for youth.<ref name=":5" /> He highlighted that it felt discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community and books that don't have his community's representation are rarely challenged.
Petocz was featured in ''[[The New York Times]]'' for organizing the protest against the Flagler County School Board for banning Johnson's book from school libraries.<ref name=":5" /> In the article, Petocz said that as a [[gay]] student himself, books like ''All Boys Aren't Blue'' are critical for youth.<ref name=":5" /> He highlighted that it felt discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community and books that don't have his community's representation are rarely challenged.


In an [[MSNBC]] interview, Petocz stated that the LGBTQ+ communities are further marginalized by school boards that police education, and the efforts to remove these books from the classroom is an attempt to erase identities as a whole.<ref name=":6" />
In an [[MSNBC]] interview with [[Katy Tur]], Petocz stated that LGBTQ+ communities are further marginalized by school boards that police education, and the efforts to remove these books from the classroom is an attempt to erase identities as a whole.<ref name=":6" />


=== Launching Recall FCSB ===
=== Recall FCSB ===
After being silenced at meetings, Petocz founded ''Recall FCSB''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} The group is a student-led organization working toward empowering youth to act and vote against bigotry which they believe to be rampant within the Flagler County School Board. Its social media accounts were created on November 11, 2021.<ref name=":6" />
After being silenced at meetings, Petocz founded ''Recall FCSB''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} The group is a student-led organization working toward empowering youth to act and vote against bigotry which they believe to be rampant within the Flagler County School Board. Its social media accounts were created on November 11, 2021.<ref name=":6" />


=== Organizing a Student Walk-Out in Protest of “Don’t Say Gay Bill” ===
=== Student walkout protest of the "Don't Say Gay" bill ===
On March 3, 2022, at age 17, Petocz planned a pre-approved rally and “Say Gay” walk-out at [[Flagler Palm Coast High School]] in opposition of the “[[Florida House Bill 1557|Don’t Say Gay Bill]].” Over 500 of the school’s students attended the protest as well as thousands of others statewide.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} The law, HB 1557, officially entitled “Parental Rights in Education,” prohibits discussion of [[gender identity]] and [[sexual orientation]] in public classrooms in kindergarten through third grade and only when age-appropriate in higher grades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Issac |date=March 28, 2022 |title='Parental Rights in Education' bill signing inspires protests from LGBTQ people, allies |url=https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/03/28/parental-rights-in-education-bill-signing-inspires-protests-from-lgbtq-people-allies/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Florida Phoenix |language=en-US}}</ref>
On March 3, 2022, at age 17, Petocz planned a pre-approved rally and "Say Gay" [[walkout]] at [[Flagler Palm Coast High School]] in opposition to the [[Florida House Bill 1557|"Don't Say Gay" bill]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Belle |first1=Elly |title=Jack Petocz Is Organizing Florida's Youth in the Fight Against Hatred |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jack-petocz-dont-say-gay-florida |work=Teen Vogue |date=June 13, 2022}}</ref> Over 500 of the school's students attended the protest as well as thousands of others statewide.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} The law, HB 1557, officially entitled "Parental Rights in Education," prohibits discussion of [[gender identity]] and [[sexual orientation]] in public classrooms in kindergarten through third grade and only when age-appropriate in higher grades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Issac |date=March 28, 2022 |title='Parental Rights in Education' bill signing inspires protests from LGBTQ people, allies |url=https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/03/28/parental-rights-in-education-bill-signing-inspires-protests-from-lgbtq-people-allies/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Florida Phoenix |language=en-US}}</ref>

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Petocz obtained administrative permission to host the walkout but was later suspended for his actions as leader of the rally when he distributed [[pride flag]]s which school officials said violated the school's code of conduct.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Student says he was suspended for passing out pride flags during 'Don't Say Gay' walkout |url=https://local12.com/news/nation-world/student-says-he-was-suspended-for-passing-out-pride-flags-during-dont-say-gay-walkout-high-school-protest-demonstrationhouse-bill-1557-lgbt-lgbtq-gender-identity-sexual-orientation-discussions-palm-coast-florida-cincinnati-ohio |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=WKRC |language=en}}</ref> A [[change.org]] petition to overturn Petocz's administrative removal resulted in over 7,000 signatures<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palm Coast student who organized protest of Florida's HB 1557 bill reinstated after petition |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/jack-petocz-palm-coast-student-who-organized-protest-of-floridas-hb-1557-bill-reinstated-after-petition/77-fd296cca-b868-4441-bacd-feb62307ddd1 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website= |date=March 9, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> when Principal Greg Schwartz elected to rescind the suspension.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Student walk-out organizer Jack Petocz back at school {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/student-walk-out-organizer-jack-petocz-back-at-school |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref>


⚫
Petocz then wrote a letter to Governor [[Ron DeSantis]] in response to the bill's progression, requesting a meeting to discuss the potential impact of the [[Republican Party (United States)|GOP]] legislation and agenda.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Flagler student activist Jack Petocz writes a letter to Gov. DeSantis, wants to talk about 'Don't Say Gay' bill {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/flagler-student-jack-petocz-seeks-audience-with-gov-desantis-to-talk-about-dont-say-gay-bill |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
Petocz obtained administrative permission to host the [[Walkout|walk-out]] but was later suspended for his actions as leader of the rally when he distributed [[gay]] [[pride flag]]s which violated the school's code of conduct.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Student says he was suspended for passing out pride flags during 'Don't Say Gay' walkout |url=https://local12.com/news/nation-world/student-says-he-was-suspended-for-passing-out-pride-flags-during-dont-say-gay-walkout-high-school-protest-demonstrationhouse-bill-1557-lgbt-lgbtq-gender-identity-sexual-orientation-discussions-palm-coast-florida-cincinnati-ohio |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=WKRC |language=en}}</ref> A [[change.org]] petition to overturn Petocz’s administrative removal resulted in over 7,000 signatures<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palm Coast student who organized protest of Florida's HB 1557 bill reinstated after petition |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/jack-petocz-palm-coast-student-who-organized-protest-of-floridas-hb-1557-bill-reinstated-after-petition/77-fd296cca-b868-4441-bacd-feb62307ddd1 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website= |date=March 9, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> when Principal Greg Schwartz elected to rescind the suspension.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Student walk-out organizer Jack Petocz back at school {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/student-walk-out-organizer-jack-petocz-back-at-school |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref>


=== Gen-Z for Change ===
⚫
Petocz soon after wrote a letter to Governor [[Ron DeSantis]] in response to the bill's progression, requesting a meeting to discuss the potential impact of the [[Republican Party (United States)|GOP]] legislation and agenda.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Flagler student activist Jack Petocz writes a letter to Gov. DeSantis, wants to talk about 'Don't Say Gay' bill {{!}} Palm Coast |url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/flagler-student-jack-petocz-seeks-audience-with-gov-desantis-to-talk-about-dont-say-gay-bill |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Palm Coast Observer |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
Petocz is also a [[strategist]] associate for [[Gen-Z for Change]], a coalition of more than 500 creators and activists fighting for progressive change to promote civil discourse and political action among the generation.<ref name=":2" />


===Vanderbilt University===
=== Joining Forces with Other Young Activists ===
As a first-year student at [[Vanderbilt University]], Petocz participated in a [[sit-in]] protest at [[Kirkland Hall]] over the students' ability to vote on the adoption of a [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] amendment to the constitution of the student government. As the sit-in was broken up by university police on March 27, 2024, Petocz was arrested. He was one of three students charged with assault and bodily injury to another following an incident with a Vanderbilt University police officer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lele |first1=Aaditi |title=BREAKING: Students forced to exit Kirkland Hall, three arrested and 16 suspended |url=https://vanderbilthustler.com/2024/03/27/breaking-students-forcibly-leave-sit-in-three-arrested-and-16-suspended/ |work=The Vanderbilt Hustler |date=March 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McGee |first1=Nikki |title=Vanderbilt students, Nashville Scene reporter arrested during sit-in |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/vanderbilt-students-nashville-scene-reporter-arrested-during-sit-in/ |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=WKRN |date=27 March 2024}}</ref> Following a preliminary hearing by the university, he was among three students to be expelled.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ratangee |first1=Brina |title=Three students expelled following Student Accountability hearings, faculty criticize university response |url=https://vanderbilthustler.com/2024/04/06/three-students-expelled-following-student-accountability-hearings-faculty-criticize-university-response/ |work=Vanderbilt Hustler |date=April 6, 2024}}</ref>
⚫
Petocz is also a [[strategist]] associate for ''Gen-Z for Change'', a coalition of more than 500 creators and activists fighting for progressive change to promote civil discourse and political action among the generation.<ref name=":2" />


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Petocz is openly gay.<ref name=":0" /> He is an active participant at PEN America's Free Speech Advocacy institute.<ref name=":3" /> He is a May 2022 Recipient of the PEN America/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award.<ref name=":3" />
Petocz is openly gay.<ref name=":0" /> He is a participant at PEN America's Free Speech Advocacy Institute<ref name=":3" /> and was a recipient of the PEN America/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award in 2022.<ref name=":3" />


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:21st-century American LGBT people]]
[[Category:21st-century American LGBT people]]
[[Category:American gay men]]
[[Category:American gay men]]
[[Category:Vanderbilt University alumni]]
[[Category:Activists from Florida]]
[[Category:Activists from Florida]]
[[Category:2004 births]]
[[Category:2004 births]]

Latest revision as of 16:52, 1 July 2024

Jack Petocz
Petocz in 2022
Born (2004-09-08) September 8, 2004 (age 19)
EducationVanderbilt University
Alma materFlagler Palm Coast High School
OccupationActivist
Organization(s)Gen-Z for Change, Recall FCSB
Known forLGBTQ+ Activism
AwardsWebby Awards Social Movement of the Year, PEN America/Benenson Courage Award, Bob Stevenson Civil Libertarian of the Year Award, Anti-Defamation League Kay Family Award

Jack Petocz (born September 8, 2004) is an American student activist. He is the founder of Recall FCSB and a political strategist with the nonprofit organization Gen-Z for Change.[1] He identifies as gay and speaks about his experiences as an LGBTQ+ person.[2]

As an activist, Petocz has protested against public school policies in Florida related to book bans, dress codes, and the "Don't Say Gay" law.[3] His activism and writing about LGBTQ+ rights has been featured in FlaglerLive,[4] The New York Times,[5] and MSNBC.[6]

Early life and education

Petocz was born on September 8, 2004.[7] He attended Rymfire Elementary School,[8] Indian Trails Middle School,[9] and Flagler Palm Coast High School.[10]

Activism

Student dress codes

On August 23, 2021, in an op-ed with Flagler Live,[4] Petocz voiced his opinion on the school district's dress code policy and brought attention to a petition to have it changed.[4] He stated that the dress code stripped students of all individuality and expression, adding that female students were particularly adversely affected.[11]

Book bans in schools

In November 2021, Petocz organized a protest challenging the Flagler County School Board for a book ban which called to remove books about LGBTQ+ characters and racism in the classroom.[5]

Petocz, the only student in recent memory that a school board member censored as he was addressing the board, mobilized a protest after Board member Jill Woolbright filed a challenge to four titles in school libraries. The challenge caused the titles to be removed from circulation. Woolbright in a criminal complaint filed with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and later in statements at school board meetings declared one of the circulation titles as criminal because of its sexual themes. Woolbright was supported by Board member Janet McDonald (the board member who had censored Petocz), who used similar language to describe some of the books in question, especially George Johnson All Boys Aren't Blue, a memoir of growing up Black and queer.[12]

Petocz was featured in The New York Times for organizing the protest against the Flagler County School Board for banning Johnson's book from school libraries.[5] In the article, Petocz said that as a gay student himself, books like All Boys Aren't Blue are critical for youth.[5] He highlighted that it felt discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community and books that don't have his community's representation are rarely challenged.

In an MSNBC interview with Katy Tur, Petocz stated that LGBTQ+ communities are further marginalized by school boards that police education, and the efforts to remove these books from the classroom is an attempt to erase identities as a whole.[11]

Recall FCSB

After being silenced at meetings, Petocz founded Recall FCSB.[citation needed] The group is a student-led organization working toward empowering youth to act and vote against bigotry which they believe to be rampant within the Flagler County School Board. Its social media accounts were created on November 11, 2021.[11]

Student walkout protest of the "Don't Say Gay" bill

On March 3, 2022, at age 17, Petocz planned a pre-approved rally and "Say Gay" walkout at Flagler Palm Coast High School in opposition to the "Don't Say Gay" bill.[13] Over 500 of the school's students attended the protest as well as thousands of others statewide.[citation needed] The law, HB 1557, officially entitled "Parental Rights in Education," prohibits discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in public classrooms in kindergarten through third grade and only when age-appropriate in higher grades.[14]

Petocz obtained administrative permission to host the walkout but was later suspended for his actions as leader of the rally when he distributed pride flags which school officials said violated the school's code of conduct.[15] A change.org petition to overturn Petocz's administrative removal resulted in over 7,000 signatures[16] when Principal Greg Schwartz elected to rescind the suspension.[17]

Petocz then wrote a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis in response to the bill's progression, requesting a meeting to discuss the potential impact of the GOP legislation and agenda.[18]

Gen-Z for Change

Petocz is also a strategist associate for Gen-Z for Change, a coalition of more than 500 creators and activists fighting for progressive change to promote civil discourse and political action among the generation.[1]

Vanderbilt University

As a first-year student at Vanderbilt University, Petocz participated in a sit-in protest at Kirkland Hall over the students' ability to vote on the adoption of a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions amendment to the constitution of the student government. As the sit-in was broken up by university police on March 27, 2024, Petocz was arrested. He was one of three students charged with assault and bodily injury to another following an incident with a Vanderbilt University police officer.[19][20] Following a preliminary hearing by the university, he was among three students to be expelled.[21]

Personal life

Petocz is openly gay.[2] He is a participant at PEN America's Free Speech Advocacy Institute[3] and was a recipient of the PEN America/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award in 2022.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Gen-Z for Change - About Us". February 7, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Padgett, Donald (May 19, 2022). "Gay Florida Student Who Led Protest Can't Run for Class President". Yahoo! News. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "PEN America to Honor Florida High School Activist Jack Petocz for Organizing Book Ban and 'Don't Say Gay' Protests Statewide". PEN America. April 27, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "An FPC Student's Perspective: Time to Rethink Inequitable and Irrational Dress Code in Flagler Schools". FlaglerLive. August 23, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d Harris, Elizabeth A.; Alter, Alexandra (January 30, 2022). "Book Ban Efforts Spread Across the U.S." The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  6. ^ "'You're just erasing identities as a whole' Student and Author on the impact of book bans". MSNBC.com. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  7. ^ Jack Petocz [@Jack_Petocz] (September 8, 2022). "18! :) Watch out @GovRonDeSantis, I'm of voting age. 😉" (Tweet). Retrieved February 27, 2023 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ Ryan, Shaun. "Rymfire student group welcomes newcomers to school". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  9. ^ "Flagler Schools Future Problem Solvers earn six awards at International Conference | Palm Coast". Palm Coast Observer. June 10, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  10. ^ FlaglerLive (March 8, 2022). "A Storied Gay-Pride Flag Doubles Down Outside FPC as Veterans Lead Protest of Student Leader's Suspension". FlaglerLive. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Ross, Nikki. "5 things to know about Jack Petocz, Flagler student suspended for handing out pride flags". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  12. ^ Flaglerlive (January 31, 2022). "FPC's Jack Petocz Is Featured at Length in Page One New York Times Story on Schools' Book Bans". FlaglerLive. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  13. ^ Belle, Elly (June 13, 2022). "Jack Petocz Is Organizing Florida's Youth in the Fight Against Hatred". Teen Vogue.
  14. ^ Morgan, Issac (March 28, 2022). "'Parental Rights in Education' bill signing inspires protests from LGBTQ people, allies". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  15. ^ "Student says he was suspended for passing out pride flags during 'Don't Say Gay' walkout". WKRC. March 5, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  16. ^ "Palm Coast student who organized protest of Florida's HB 1557 bill reinstated after petition". March 9, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  17. ^ "Student walk-out organizer Jack Petocz back at school | Palm Coast". Palm Coast Observer. March 9, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  18. ^ "Flagler student activist Jack Petocz writes a letter to Gov. DeSantis, wants to talk about 'Don't Say Gay' bill | Palm Coast". Palm Coast Observer. March 8, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  19. ^ Lele, Aaditi (March 27, 2024). "BREAKING: Students forced to exit Kirkland Hall, three arrested and 16 suspended". The Vanderbilt Hustler.
  20. ^ McGee, Nikki (March 27, 2024). "Vanderbilt students, Nashville Scene reporter arrested during sit-in". WKRN. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  21. ^ Ratangee, Brina (April 6, 2024). "Three students expelled following Student Accountability hearings, faculty criticize university response". Vanderbilt Hustler.
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