The Florida High School teacher lost his job after using a student's preferred name without his parents' consent.
Melissa Calhoun, a teacher at Satellite High School in Brevard County, learned that her contract will not be renewed next year after calling the student under a different name without getting a form signed by her parents.
Brevard Public Schools “supports the right of parents to be a major decision maker in the lives of their children, and Florida law affirms their right to be notified,” district spokesman Janet Murunaghan I told Florida today.
Calhoun was Florida's first known educator and lost his job under the Sunshine State Act signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis before the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.
After teaching at school for 11 years, Calhoun respected the student's requests for which legal names were associated with girls. He told the Washington Post.
The students' parents informed the school that Calhoun was calling the child by their preferred name, causing an investigation.
The teacher allegedly admitted that she “deliberately failed to comply with state laws.”
As a result, the district has chosen not to renew Calhoun's annual contract, as the state reviews her educational qualification for violating state law, according to the outlet.
“Teachers work under a 10-month contract that expires in May 2025,” Murunagan's statement continued. “The state will review her education certificate based on these actions, so the district has decided not to renew its annual contract until the matter is resolved with the state.”
The shootings sparked rage in the community, and many people opposed the fiery school board move Tuesday night. Clickorlando reported.
“The teacher made a difference in the lives of our students, including the classroom and my children. She deserved more than a quiet exit. She deserves fairness, context and compassion,” said her mother and school employee Christine Staniek at the meeting.
A group of students protested against Calhoun's firing outside satellite high school on Thursday.
a Change.org petition More than 18,000 signatures have been won over the past three days by requesting Calhoun's return.
“Calhoun embodies what a proper education should be. We respect inclusiveness, understanding and personality. Losing her will be a huge loss for the Brevard County education community,” the petition said.
