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Former Assistant Principal Sues Beaufort County School District

Courtroom with gavel and school elements

News Summary

Stephen Brock, a former assistant principal at Hilton Head Island’s School for the Creative Arts, has filed a lawsuit against the Beaufort County School District alleging disability discrimination. Brock claims he was pressured to resign after requesting mental health support and that his subsequent replacement, due to accusations of being under the influence, was unjust. The case raises important questions about workplace policies surrounding mental health and substance use, particularly in educational settings.

Hilton Head Island: Former Assistant Principal Files Lawsuit Against School District

Hilton Head Island’s former assistant principal, Stephen Brock, has filed a lawsuit against the Beaufort County School District, alleging disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The suit was filed late last month and outlines several key issues surrounding his employment and health struggles:

Age: 54 years old.
Replacement: Brock was replaced in February 2024 after requesting mental health counseling in January 2024.
Alcohol Concerns: Colleagues noted Brock appeared “under the influence” when he was replaced.
Firearms Incident: Two unloaded firearms were found in Brock’s truck, parked on school grounds.

At the time, possessing these firearms was a felony due to his expired concealed weapon permit. However, law enforcement did not press charges, believing he was renewing it. Notably, South Carolina laws changed in March 2024, permitting guns on school property if properly stored in vehicles.

School Details: The Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts is a Title I school serving approximately 500 students.

Brock alleges he faced pressure to terminate his contract after revealing his emotional distress and heightened alcohol use to a principal. Following his mental health request, he was placed on administrative leave and required to undergo drug testing.

After a psychologist deemed him “fit for duty,” Brock resumed work on February 21, 2024. He reports having stopped alcohol consumption and started new medication for anxiety upon his return. However, reports emerged regarding his behavior, including slurring speech and appearing drowsy during meetings.

During an interaction with a school security officer, two empty whiskey boxes and the firearms were discovered in his vehicle. The school district ordered the confiscation of the guns, despite claims from Brock that the seizure was unlawful.

The South Carolina Department of Education chose not to suspend Brock’s teaching certification. He is seeking lost wages, benefits, and reinstatement to his former position in the lawsuit.

The Beaufort County School District maintains a policy stating that firearms on school property can result in termination at the superintendent’s discretion. A spokesperson for the district declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

In a separate note, Brock has faced previous legal issues, including guilty pleas for careless and reckless driving.