Teacher Sacked For Calling Student By Their Preferred Name Without Parents’ Consent

Apr 14, 2025 by apost team

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According to reports from Click Orlando, Central Florida Public Media and Florida Today, Melissa Calhoun, a teacher in Brevard County, Florida, lost her job after addressing a student by a different name from their legal name without obtaining prior approval from the student’s parents. The longtime educator at Satellite High School was informed that her 2025-2026 academic year contract would not be renewed. 

Issues surrounding student identity, parental rights, and classroom policies have become increasingly sensitive in today’s educational landscape. As schools navigate evolving laws and social expectations, even well-intentioned actions by educators can lead to controversy. 

It’s worth noting that Calhoun has been a Satellite High School staff member since 2013. Her dismissal underscores the broader implications of Florida’s legislation surrounding parental rights and classroom practices, particularly regarding how educators interact with students in matters of identity and personal expression.

In detail, the decision came after the student’s parents notified school officials that Calhoun had been using the student’s preferred name. A district spokesperson, Janet Murnaghan, investigated the case and confirmed Calhoun’s actions. This incident is considered a violation of a Florida law that requires school personnel to obtain written parental consent before referring to students by any name other than the one listed on official records. 

The regulation, known as the “Parental Authorization for Deviation from Student’s Legal Name Form,” took effect at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Following the breach, the Florida Department of Education began a review of Calhoun’s teaching credentials, potentially impacting her ability to work in public education within the state. The school district cited violating this policy as the primary reason for the non-renewal of her annual contract.

Florida Today reported that Brevard Public Schools spokesperson Janet Murnaghan issued a formal statement addressing the recent controversy involving Calhoun.

“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.

She further explained:

“The teacher is working under a 10-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 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.”

The matter was also raised during a school board meeting held on Apr. 8, 2025, where fellow teacher Kristine Staniec voiced her support for Calhoun.

“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,” she said, adding, “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, a Change.org petition titled “Reinstate Ms. Calhoun: Advocate for Respect and Student Rights” gathered over 47,000 signatures as of Apr. 14, 2025. 

Among the signatories was a user named Joanna, who shared:

“I extend my strongest recommendation for the reinstatement of Melissa Calhoun at Satellite High School.” 

She recalled Calhoun’s growth as an educator and her dedication to students, saying:

“She truly is the best of the best. Please reinstate her. It is unquestionably the right thing to do.”

apost.com

This case reveals the challenge of balancing student support with legal and parental rights. Should teachers have more freedom to honor student identities? Let us know your thoughts, and then pass this along and keep the dialogue going.