Rob Coppo, principal of Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, has resigned from his position following intense criticism over a student’s suspension for expressing support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a statement released Thursday, Coppo said, “It is time for me to enter a new role in education, but I have been forever shaped by my time leading this incredible school.” He expressed confidence that the district would appoint a highly qualified successor to uphold the school’s reputation for excellence.
The resignation comes after a student at Torrey Pines High School was suspended in February for distributing flyers reading, “I love ICE,” and signed with the phrase “Real Americans.” The incident followed hundreds of students walking out of classes to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. While the school did not sanction the walkouts, it warned that such absences would be marked as truancy.
A letter detailing the student’s suspension was shared online, triggering widespread criticism of the administration. The San Dieguito Union High School District denied the student was punished for political views, stating: “The District promotes all lawful exercise of free speech and students’ rights to express their viewpoints while also maintaining school campuses that are safe, orderly, and respectful learning environments.”
Coppo did not explicitly link his resignation to the suspension incident, noting he had been nearing retirement. However, the district’s public response occurred amid significant backlash over how the school handled the student’s actions.
