Melissa Calhoun, a teacher who had been working at Brevard Public Schools (BPS) for more than a decade, got fired following a complaint by a student’s parents that she called the student by a different name without the parents’ permission.
The parents filed the complaint
Calhoun had been employed by Brevard Public Schools (BPS), in Brevard County, Florida, for 11 years until a student’s parents complained that she called their kid by a different name to their legal one.
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The student asked to be called by a different name
The student had asked to be referred to by a name different to their birth name, to which Calhoun complied. This resulted in her being removed from the job.
Students may ask to be referred to by a different name if they’re going through a gender transition or just because they prefer a nickname.
She technically broke the law
Calhoun technically defied a state law when she used a different name on the student since the law says that teachers must refer to students by their legal name.
That bill was passed in 2023 and stated that teachers may only refer to students by a different name if given permission by the parents.
A petition has been launched
Calhoun was on a 10-month contract with Satellite High School, in Satellite Beach, just an hour-drive away from Orlando. Her contract was up for review in May.
Since she was removed from the job, a petition was launched to reinstate her. The petition was signed by more than 18,000 people, including signatures from parents of her former students.
The petition recalled her dedication to teaching
The petition read, “Ms. Calhoun, a cherished teacher 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.”
The petition also called it a ‘blow to personal rights’
“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,” it continued.
“Ms. Calhoun is an embodiment of what proper education should be: inclusive, understanding, and respectful of individuality. Losing her would be a significant loss to Brevard County’s education community.”
BPS released a statement about the situation
While the petition applauded Calhoun for her dedication to respecting her student’s personal decision, a statement by Brevard Public Schools (BPS) said that she knew she would be breaking the law by doing it.
Chief Strategic Communications Officer at BPS spoke about it
Janet Murnaghan, Chief Strategic Communications Officer at BPS said, “Brevard Public Schools (BPS) was made aware that a teacher at Satellite High School had been referring to a student by a name other than their legal name, without parental permission when the parent reached out to us.”
“This directly violates state law and the district’s standardized process for written parental consent. BPS supports parents’ rights to be the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives, and Florida law affirms their right to be informed.”
Murnaghan stated that Calhoun knew it was illegal
“After the accusation was made, the district conducted a detailed investigation. Based on the teacher’s own admission that she knowingly did not comply with state statute she received a letter of reprimand. Teachers, like all employees, are expected to follow the law,” Murnaghan continued.
“The teacher is working under a ten-month contract that expires in May 2025. Since the state will be reviewing her teaching certificate based on these actions, the district decided not to renew the annual contract until the issue is resolved with the state.”
She went on to state the school’s priorities
“At BPS, our focus is on education – teachers are here to teach and support students academically. Our job is to work in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure student success,” Murnaghan said.
“Calhoun worked for the school district for eleven years and taught at DeLaura Middle School, next to Satellite High, before her current position.”