Florida Teacher Dismissal Sparks Protests Over Student Name Policy

Melissa Calhoun, a teacher at Satellite High School in Brevard County, Florida, has had her contract not renewed after using a student's preferred name without parental consent, violating state law. This incident is part of a broader legislative effort in Florida that restricts how educators address issues of gender identity in schools. The decision has sparked significant backlash, with students staging protests and voicing support for Calhoun, highlighting concerns over educators' rights and the impact of such laws on classroom dynamics. Critics argue that the law, often referred to as the 'Don't Say Gay Bill,' undermines both student and teacher rights. As the situation unfolds, the Florida Department of Education is reviewing Calhoun's teaching credentials, but specific details about any ongoing investigations remain unclear. Community members and teachers' unions have rallied behind Calhoun, criticizing the decision as politically motivated and detrimental to educational environments.