The appearance of the Boyd Anderson High School Band at this week’s Kamala Harris event in Hallandale Beach violated Broward School district policy regarding political events. Wednesday’s rally was a Democrat Party get out the vote (GOTV) event featuring Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and other Democrat elected officials. Those wishing to attend the event were required to provide their personal information to the Party.
Traveling as a campaign surrogate for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, Emhoff heaped praise upon the Boyd Anderson band.
The Sun-Sentinel reported, “Music, played after each speaker, was provided by the Boyd Anderson High School marching band. Emhoff said if he could, he’d have the band travel with him providing musical support across the country for the final stretch of the campaign.”
Accordingly to the Miami New Times, “The modest crowd was somewhat dwarfed by the Costco-esque surroundings and, at least early on, by the Boyd Anderson High School Cobras Marching Band from Lauderdale Lakes, 15 miles to the north. Their repertoire varied from country hits to Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” to almost the entirety of Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, with Motown favorites from the likes of Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5 filling in the gaps.”
A Broward School District spokesman told REDBROWARD the band’s performance was not approved by the principal:
“After becoming aware of the situation, speaking with school leadership, and conducting a review, we do not believe there was intent to violate any laws or school board policies. The principal did not approve or was aware of student and/or staff participation. The uniforms in question were retired and no longer used at the school. However, appropriate administrative actions will be taken.”
This is not the first time the Boyd Anderson High School Band appeared at a local Democrat event.
Social media posts by local politicians in February 2023 show the band and a cheer group performed at a Broward Black Democratic Caucus event.
Earlier this week, REDBROWARD reported on campaign banners hanging outside Plantation elementary schools.
Two political banners promoting the campaign of Plantation City Councilman Louis Reinstein were hanging at the entrances of Plantation Park and Peters Elementary schools.
Reinstein, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to the Group 5 seat on the City Council.
The political banner with Reinstein’s face was placed at the entrance of Peters Elementary School. The large banner said “Councilmember Louis Reinstein supports Peters Elementary.” In smaller print is the standard disclaimer all candidates must use on campaign materials:
“POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY CAMPAIGN TO RE-ELECT LOUIS REINSTEIN FOR PLANTATION CITY COUNCIL, GROUP 5, NON-PARTISAN.”
According to the Peters Elementary School PTA website, sponsors must pay $375 to hang a large banner on the school fence.
Another banner promoting the Louis Reinstein campaign was hangng on the fence surrounding nearby Plantation Park Elementary School.
On this banner, Reinstein was labeled as a “gold sponsor” who supports Plantation Park Elementary.
This banner also included the standard campaign disclaimer.
Reinstein’s opponent, Republican H. Wayne Clark, did not have any banners hanging outside Plantation elementary schools.
After inquiring with the District about the signs, a spokesman told REDBROWARD the signs “are being removed as we speak” and there will be an investigation into how they were allowed in the first place.
How do Broward schools and students keep getting used by Democrat campaigns?
