Joint Press Release
For Immediate Release: Brevard County Teacher Faces Non-Renewal After Using Student’s Preferred Name
Florida Today: Brevard teacher first to lose job over Florida law requiring parent sign-off on preferred name →
It’s the first reported incident of a teacher losing their job as a result of Florida’s law requiring parental consent for a child to go by an alternative to their legal name in school.
News 6: Florida teacher loses job for calling student by ‘preferred’ name →
Teacher didn’t have parents’ permission, school district says
Florida Today: Satellite High teacher loses job after using student’s preferred name →
Brevard Public Schools has opted not to renew a Satellite High School teacher’s contract after she referred to a student by a name other than their legal name without parental permission.
Petition: Reinstate Ms. Calhoun: Advocate for Respect and Student Rights at Satellite High School →
Ms. Calhoun, a cherished teacher at Satellite High School will lose her teaching position in Brevard County. A dedicated educator and respected member of the community where she grew up and now greatly contributes, Ms. Calhoun is being punished merely for showing respect to a student’s choices. She was reprimanded for referring to a student by the name they prefer rather than their official name - a direct blow to personal rights and respect.