The Independent: Florida teacher fired after calling student their ‘preferred name’ without parents’ permission →
A Florida teacher was fired by a school district after she called a pupil by their preferred name without getting permission from their parents.
Newsweek: Florida Teacher’s Job Status on Hold for Using Student’s ‘Preferred Name’ →
A teacher in Florida has been told she won’t have her contract extended “until the issue is resolved with the state” after she referred to a child be their preferred name, rather than legal their legal name, without parental consent.
Washington Post: Florida teacher loses job for calling student by preferred name
“It’s the first known dismissal stemming from the conservative campaign to limit schools’ recognition of transgender identity.” (Washington Post, 4/10/2025)
Times of India: Florida teacher fired for using student’s preferred name, raising alarms in US education system
“A Florida teacher, Melissa Calhoun, was fired for using a student’s preferred name instead of their legal name, violating state law HB 1069.” (Times of India, 4/10/2025)
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.