Florida Teacher's Contract Ends Over Name Policy Breach

Melissa Calhoun, a teacher at Satellite High School in Florida, will not have her contract renewed after using a student's preferred name without parental consent, as mandated by the Parental Rights in Education Act. This decision, supported by the Brevard Public Schools, follows a parental complaint and an internal investigation where Calhoun admitted to the violation. The law requires teachers to use students' legal names unless a signed parental form allows otherwise. The incident sparked student protests and a petition with thousands of signatures in support of Calhoun, reflecting broader tensions over educational policies in Florida. The state will review her teaching certification, potentially ending her teaching career in the state. Critics argue that such measures restrict the rights of LGBTQ students, while supporters emphasize parental rights in education.