18-year-old student kicked out of school for appearing in porn, allowed to return to classes
An 18-year-old, who took a job in pornography to help his family with money, has won the battle to return to school after what he claims was an expulsion for his appearance in porn. Robert Marucci, a senior at Cocoa High School in Florida, received support from his classmates throughout the ordeal, which, as it gained widespread attention, led many to question the administration’s reasoning.
As reported by WKMG Local 6 , Robert’s fellow students found videos of him on an adult website and shared the images, which then led to bullying. Robert told the station, "I feel like I have been treated unfairly and this is unjust…This was completely legal. I didn't break any laws, and this took place out of the school."
A referral slip noted a “major campus disruption,” and that Robert threatened to bring weapons to school. He denies that accusation saying, “I didn’t make any threats to anybody. I, I believe I handled every situation very maturely.” Cocoa police would have been notified of such a threat, and they called the accusation a rumor.
Robert’s mother, Melyssa Lieb, was fully aware of her son’s occupation and appreciates his contribution. "He stood up and he was the man of the house when I couldn't be," Ms. Lieb said as tears welled up. She believes that factors other than threats and disruptions were the cause of the administration’s actions. "I think that it is Dr. [Stephanie] Soliven's morals and her personal beliefs and I don't think that this is anybody's business except for my son's," said the mother. She also told WKMG that Dr. Sullivan, “flat out told me that my son was expelled, not just suspended. He was expelled due to his explicit, adult, lifestyle career."
When WKMG asked the Brevard County School District for specifics as to why Mr. Marucci was kicked out, district spokesperson Michelle Irwin would not answer and cited privacy laws. However she did tell the station, “No child would ever be suspended for a job that they have outside of the school environment,” adding that, “The student is welcomed to come back and talk with Dr. Sullivan about his educational options."
