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A Florida teacher, Melissa Calhoun, was dismissed from Satellite High School after using a student's preferred name without parental consent, a violation of a 2023 state law. The law mandates that teachers must have written permission from parents to use a name other than a student's legal name. The Brevard Public Schools district stated that Calhoun knowingly violated this rule, leading to her contract not being renewed.
Support for Calhoun has surged, with over 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for her reinstatement. Kristine Staniec, a media specialist at the school, spoke in defense of Calhoun, emphasizing her positive impact on students and questioning the fairness of the decision. "There was no harm, no threat to safety, no malicious intent, just a teacher trying to connect with a student," Staniec said at a school board meeting.
The incident has sparked discussions about the implications of the law, which was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The law requires parental consent for any deviation from a student's legal name, including nicknames or names related to gender identity. Community members, including students, have expressed their support for Calhoun, highlighting her dedication and the welcoming environment she fostered in her classroom.
Calhoun's case is the first reported instance of a teacher losing their job due to this rule. The law's consequences for non-compliance remain unclear, as it does not specify penalties for educators. However, the district's decision to not renew Calhoun's contract has drawn significant attention and criticism.