Teacher fired for using student's preferred name without permission
- A Florida teacher was dismissed after allegedly using a student's preferred name without parental consent.
- The incident led to a significant public response, with over 11,000 signatures on a petition supporting the teacher.
- This case exemplifies the ongoing debate surrounding parental rights in education and the effects of state legislation.
In Florida, a teacher named Melissa Calhoun was dismissed from her position at Satellite High School due to allegations of using a student's preferred name without obtaining parental consent, thus violating state law. This incident came to light when the child's parents reported it to school officials, prompting an investigation by Brevard Public Schools (BPS). The district determined that Calhoun had knowingly disregarded the required process for written consent, resulting in disciplinary action against her. Following the investigation, BPS decided not to renew her teaching contract, which was set to expire in May 2025, while the state reviews her teaching certification. The case has stirred significant public attention, leading to a Change.org petition supporting Calhoun. More than 11,000 signatures were gathered to advocate for the teacher, whom supporters described as a