An elementary school teacher in Gainesville has been put on administrative leave following accusations from the Florida attorney general about violating state law. The issue revolves around the teacher requesting to be addressed as “Mx.” or “Mrs.”, rather than “Mr.”
Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer labeled the teacher’s actions as “unacceptable.” He sent a letter to the Alachua County Public Schools Superintendent, urging the school officials to enforce the law and consider taking disciplinary action, warning that ignoring the situation could lead to legal consequences.
The teacher, whose identity remains undisclosed, is employed at Talbot Elementary School.
Jackie Johnson, a spokesperson for the school district, confirmed to the Gainesville Sun that the individual is on administrative leave while an investigation is underway.
Usmeyer mentioned that his newly established Office of Parental Rights received a complaint claiming that the teacher was compelling students and colleagues to use the title “Mx.” or “Mrs.” instead of “Mr.”
He criticized the term, deeming it a “made-up” label that “hinders parents from educating their children according to their beliefs,” asserting it has no place in Florida’s education system. Florida House Bill 1069, enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis in July 2023, prohibits school staff from using titles or pronouns that don’t align with a person’s gender assigned at birth.
The law also mandates that sex education convey the idea that biological sex is “binary” and “immutable.”
According to Usmeyer, the state legislature has made it clear that “gender is an immutable biological characteristic” and that it’s inappropriate to use pronouns that don’t correspond with someone’s assigned gender. He directed the district to remove references to the title “Mx.” from school environments.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamtsas supported Usmeyer’s statements, expressing that the allegations should be taken seriously.
The “Mx.” title has been under discussion for many years and is defined by Merriam-Webster as “honorific language independent of gender,” intended for individuals who identify outside traditional gender norms or prefer not to disclose their gender.
The term “Mx.” first appeared in print in 1977 and was included in the dictionary in 2017. It is increasingly finding its way into government and professional use, especially in the UK.
Language experts indicate that “Mx.” is typically pronounced as “mix” and serves a similar function as “Mr.” for those seeking non-binary options.
The Journal has reached out to the Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Education, and Alachua County Public Schools for further comments.
