An Ohio high school administrator found himself facing an impossible choice between his career and helping a student in desperate need. When Rob Burnside decided to stand by a homeless teenager, the decision would cost him his position—but he maintains it was the right thing to do.
Landerius Hayes, known as DeDe, was struggling to survive during his junior year at Lakota East High School. Unable to safely live with his parents due to personal issues, he spent frigid nights sleeping in a car with the heater running just to stay warm. His already difficult situation became even more complicated when documentation arrived showing his mother had relocated outside the school district boundaries.
District policy forced difficult decision
School district regulations required DeDe to leave Lakota East High School immediately since he no longer had a parent address within the designated area. District administrators informed Principal Burnside that the student could not remain enrolled under these circumstances.
Rather than simply following protocol, Burnside took the matter home to discuss with his wife Angel. Her response was immediate—she wanted to offer DeDe a place to live. The couple, who had previously adopted two children, sought guidance through prayer. Burnside prayed “God, if this is your will for this young man to be in our home, make it clear.”
Just five minutes after that prayer, DeDe sent a text message to Burnside saying “Hey, Mr. Burnside.” The couple interpreted this as the confirmation they were seeking.
Taking a stand with consequences
The Burnsides welcomed DeDe into their household and established themselves as his legal guardians. Despite this arrangement, the school district maintained its position that he could not attend classes at Lakota East. Burnside made the controversial decision to allow DeDe to continue attending anyway.
This choice led the district to present Burnside with an ultimatum: resign or face termination. When DeDe learned about the situation, he offered to leave to protect Burnside’s career. The principal’s response was clear: “DeDe, you’re part of this family, we’re not gonna turn our back on you.”
Burnside ultimately left his position and has since struggled to secure another principal role in his region. Despite the professional setback, he expresses no second thoughts about his actions. He asks “What value can we put on the life of a young person?”
DeDe has since graduated from a different high school with Rob and Angel Burnside present to celebrate his achievement. He is currently pursuing training to become an aviation mechanic.
