Outrage as Florida teacher fired for calling student by their preferred name without parental consent

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA: A high school teacher in Florida has lost her job after addressing a student by their preferred name without written permission from the student’s parents - an action that violates a state law enacted last year. 

Melissa Calhoun, who taught at Satellite High School in Brevard County, was notified that her teaching contract for the 2025–2026 academic year would not be renewed due to her failure to comply with the regulation.

Under Florida’s “Parental Authorization for Deviation from Student's Legal Name Form” policy, school staff are legally required to receive formal consent from a student’s parent or guardian before referring to them by any name other than the one listed on official school records.

Spokesperson for Brevard Public Schools addresses teacher's firing

Brevard Public Schools spokesperson Janet Murnaghan confirmed that an internal investigation was launched after Melissa Calhoun admitted to addressing a student by their preferred name without parental approval. Because her actions violated Florida state law, her teaching credentials are now under review by the state.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Calhoun has been employed at Satellite High School since 2013, as per Florida Today.

Murnaghan stated, "BPS supports parents’ rights to be the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives, and Florida law affirms their right to be informed."

She added, "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.”

Murnaghan emphasized the district’s stance on the role of educators, saying, “At BPS, our focus is on education--teachers are here to teach and support students academically," Murnaghan wrote. "Our job is to work in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure student success.”

What did Melissa Calhoun's colleague say?

On Tuesday, April 8, a school board meeting took place, where Melissa Calhoun’s colleague Kristine Staniec was among those who attended and spoke out.

Staniec claimed, "The teacher made a difference in her classroom and in the lives of our students, including my own child. She deserved more than a quiet exit. She deserved fairness, context and compassion."

Staniec further argued that Calhoun’s actions were not harmful, "There was no harm, no threat to safety, no malicious intent, just a teacher trying to connect with a student."

In response to Calhoun’s dismissal, supporters have launched a Change.org petition titled “Reinstate Ms. Calhoun,” which had gathered over 14,580 signatures as of Thursday, April 10.

Among the many supporters, one individual named Joanna shared a heartfelt message, "I extend my strongest recommendation for the reinstatement of Melissa Calhoun at Satellite High School. I have known her since she was 16 as a student in my classroom."

What are other teachers and students saying?

During Tuesday's school board meeting, Susan Pinsky, a mother of four, passionately defended Melissa Calhoun, describing her as a "foundational teacher" who had taught three of her children.

“She is one of those teachers that builds the character of the people that she teaches” Pinsky said. “She is a gift, and a teacher like that does not come around very often. So I implore you as a board to please reconsider your decision."

Earlier that day, students at Satellite High School rallied in support of Calhoun by circulating a petition calling for her reinstatement, according to junior Ryan Matrigali.

By the end of the day, the petition had collected 284 signatures. “This teacher was not committing a crime or posing a threat to her students like others,” Matrigali said. “But rather making her students feel comfortable in their own skin and in the classroom.”

Joana added, "I have watched her flourish as a teacher in her adulthood, from her work at DeLaura Middle School where she inspired so many young people including our son, to her work at Satellite High School where she has not only poured her heart into teaching but also to developing strong bonds with students and their families. She truly is the best of the best. Please reinstate her. It is unquestionably the right thing to do."

Outrage erupts as Florida teacher fired for calling student by their preferred name

As news of the Florida teacher losing her job spread online, social media quickly lit up with reactions, with many users weighing in and sharing their opinions on the controversy.

One user wrote, "I love my students, but I can’t lose my job over them. If parents don’t consent  that name, don’t call them that. Period." 

An internet user questioned, "I’ve always gone by a different name (nickname) than my parents gave me. Nobody had a problem with that. So why is this a problem?"

A commenter slammed, "Absolutely ridiculous!"

A social media user wote, "That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard."

A Facebook user wrote, "Every student is asked what name they prefer to go by. It’s always been that way in my school."

Another dubbed, "Florida seems like hell on earth." Someone else expressed frustration, "They smoke/vape/ drugs without parents consent. Why don’t you do something about that!!!"

The last user urged, "Stop this insanity."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online