After 31 years in education, Rob Burnside, principal of Lakota East High School in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio, was fired for housing a homeless student in his home. Burnside confirmed to reporters that he has no regrets about his decision.
Landerius Hayes, a student at Lakota East High School, was facing homelessness during his junior year. Hayes told CBS Mornings that he could not live with his mother due to safety concerns and that his father struggled with personal issues. Hayes sometimes slept in his car with the heat on to stay warm. When his mother moved outside the school district, Lakota East High School notified Hayes that he would need to withdraw because he lacked a qualifying address.
Most principals would have processed the withdrawal paperwork without further inquiry. Burnside, however, questioned the district’s decision. The district maintained that Hayes could not attend school because he did not have a parent residing within the district’s boundaries. Burnside then consulted his wife, Angel, who offered to have Hayes live with their family. The Burnsides had previously adopted two children, and Angel’s immediate response was to extend the same support to Hayes. With Hayes’ mother’s consent, the Burnsides took him in.
Hayes described his first encounter with Burnside as a moment that stood out. He recalled seeing Burnside in the hallway and greeting him casually. Burnside stopped what he was doing, smiled, and responded in kind. Hayes, who went by “DeDe,” said that interaction marked the beginning of a deeper relationship between them.
Burnside’s decision to house Hayes drew attention from district officials, ultimately leading to his termination. Burnside has since spoken publicly about his choice, emphasizing that his priority was ensuring Hayes had stability and continued access to education. Hayes has also expressed gratitude for Burnside’s support, crediting the principal with changing the trajectory of his life.