Florida teacher first known to be fired for using student’s preferred name without parents’ consent

New York Post - Apr 11th, 2025

A Florida high school teacher, Melissa Calhoun, lost her job after calling a student by their preferred name without obtaining parental consent, as required by a new state law. This makes Calhoun the first educator in Florida to be fired under this legislation, which mandates parental permission for teachers to use names different from a student's legal name. The incident occurred at Satellite High School in Brevard County, where Calhoun had been teaching for 11 years. The student's parents reported Calhoun to the school, prompting an investigation and her eventual dismissal. The district decided not to renew Calhoun's contract, and the state is currently reviewing her teaching credentials for compliance with the law.

The firing has stirred significant backlash within the local community, with parents, students, and community members expressing their support for Calhoun. At a recent school board meeting, community members spoke out against the decision, emphasizing Calhoun's positive impact on students. Protests have been held by students outside the school, and a petition on change.org demanding her reinstatement has gained over 18,000 signatures. Critics argue that the law and its enforcement fail to consider individual circumstances and compassion, highlighting broader debates about parental rights and inclusivity in education.

Ron De Santis Lgbtq+ Rights Student Protests Melissa Calhoun Brevard County Florida Education Law Parental Consent Preferred Names

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and clear account of a teacher's dismissal under a new Florida law, highlighting the intersection of educational policy, parental rights, and individual identity. It effectively balances factual reporting with community perspectives, although it could benefit from additional viewpoints supporting the law. The use of credible sources and clear language enhances its reliability and readability. The story is timely and relevant, engaging readers with its coverage of a controversial topic that has significant public interest. While the article captures the current debate, further exploration of the law's broader implications and additional expert insights could enhance its depth and impact.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the firing of Melissa Calhoun, a Florida high school teacher, for using a student's preferred name without parental consent. The story aligns with the factual claim that the incident is the first known case of a teacher being dismissed under a specific Florida law requiring parental permission for using names other than the legal ones. The article correctly identifies the law's implementation at the start of the 2023-2024 school year and cites district officials, adding credibility. However, some details, such as the exact nature of the student’s preferred and legal names and the full context of the law, are not fully explored, which might require further verification.

Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including statements from district officials, community reactions, and a petition supporting the teacher. It covers the legal rationale for the firing and the community's emotional response, providing a balanced view. However, there is a stronger emphasis on the community's outrage and support for Calhoun, which could suggest a slight imbalance. Including more perspectives from those who support the law or the school district's decision might offer a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the events surrounding the teacher's dismissal. It logically presents the sequence of events, from the law's implementation to the community's response. The tone remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting without sensationalism. This clarity aids reader comprehension and ensures that the story is accessible to a broad audience.

Source quality

The article references credible sources, such as district spokesperson Janet Murnaghan and community members, which enhances its reliability. It also cites Florida Today and The Washington Post, reputable outlets that provide additional context. The use of direct quotes from officials and community members lends authority to the reporting. However, the article could benefit from more diverse sources, such as legal experts or state education officials, to deepen the analysis.

Transparency

The article provides a clear basis for its claims, referencing statements from district officials and community reactions. However, it lacks detailed disclosure of how information was obtained, such as methods of verifying the teacher's admission or the specific legal text of the Florida law. Greater transparency about the sources of some claims, especially those about the law and its implications, would improve the article's transparency.