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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Appoints First All-Female Leadership Team
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Second Hilton Head Island Middle School Teacher Sues for Defamation
- Wikipedia: Disability Discrimination
- LGBTQ Nation: Teacher Suing Over Defamation
- Google Search: Beaufort County School District
- Your Island News: Beaufort County Teacher Files Defamation Suit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- QNotes Carolinas: SC Teacher in Hilton Head Sues
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
