“Parents, teachers and students are rallying in support of a Florida teacher who is losing her job. Her teacher contract is not being resigned for never year, because she used a student’s preferred name without their parent’s permission which violated state law. A petition to get the Brevard County teacher’s contract renewed has more than 10,000 signatures.” (FOX 35 Orlando, 4/19/25)

“Melbourne residents are showing support for a Satellite High School teacher whose contract isn’t being renewed after she used a students preferred name instead of their legal name. ” (News 13, 4/19/2025)

“Supporters of a popular teacher losing her job for using a student’s ‘preferred’ name without a parent’s permission held another rally Friday to protest Brevard Public Schools’ decision not to renew Melissa Calhoun’s contract.” (WESH 6, 4/18/25)

“‘It is unfair that teachers work in a district where they can’t respect their students by simply calling them what they preferred to be called,’ said Parsons, who purposely wore blue, Calhoun’s favorite color. ‘It’s unacceptable that teachers have to face such dramatic consequences.’” (Florida Today, 4/18/25)

For Immediate Release: Brevard Community Hosts “Stand with Calhoun Rally” Ahead of Key School Board Vote

“A Florida community is outraged after a veteran high school teacher was fired for calling a student by their preferred name rather than their legal name.

Interview with Brevard County parent and activist Amy Roub, about Ms. Calhoun’s dismissal. The interview starts at 9:15 into the podcast. (CBC Listen, 4/14/2025)

“In the wake of a Brevard teacher losing her job as a result of using a student’s preferred name without parental consent, questions have arisen about what the Florida law actually says.” (Florida Today, 4/14/3025)

“A Florida teacher was fired by a school district after she called a pupil by their preferred name without getting permission from their parents.” (The Independent, 4/13/25)

“Melissa Calhoun, a public school teacher in Florida, has been informed that her contract will not be renewed after she used a student’s chosen name without parental consent.” (Truthout, 4/13/2025 at 10:22 AM)