06/28/2026
How New Media Rules Impact Orlando Schools and Parents
Transparency or Control? The choice is yours.
📰 Orange County Public Schools issued a new media policy (Management Directive B-5) on July 30, 2025.
🤝 All media inquiries must go through supervisors and the district's media office.
🚷 Reporters are required to be escorted by an administrator while on campus.
🛡️ These rules aim to protect student confidentiality and ensure public information accuracy.
✊ However, a coalition of Central Florida news outlets argues this policy suppresses free speech.
🖊️ They’ve called for a shift from prior approval to a simple notification process, allowing staff to speak freely.
⚖️ Critics claim the policy functions as a gag order, impeding transparency and citizen expression.
📞 OCPS remains firm, stating their intent is protection and accurate reporting.
🤔 This debate raises questions on balancing free press access and privacy.
🔍 The district's future decisions could alter how community members interact with schools.
What do you think? Should OCPS change their media policy for better transparency?
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