Florida Teacher’s Job on the Line Over Student Name Dispute Heads to State Board
The Florida Board of Education will decide Wednesday whether Melissa Calhoun, a Brevard County teacher, will retain her teaching certificate after being dismissed for using a student’s preferred name, a practice now restricted under a 2023 state law. Calhoun, who taught AP English at Satellite High School, became the focus of a complaint that ignited a debate over parental rights, student identity, and the boundaries of classroom conduct. This case marks the first known instance of a teacher losing their job due to the new legislation, according to reporting from News 6 partner Florida Today.
Parental Complaint Sparks Investigation
The controversy began in March when Brevard Public Schools Board Vice Chair Matt Susin contacted Satellite High School Principal Courtney Lundy regarding concerns raised by a parent. A 128-page investigation file details how the parent, during a recent disagreement with her child – reportedly concerning the student’s desire to transition from female to male – learned that teachers were referring to the student by a preferred male name. This prompted the parent to express fears that the school was “influencing and grooming her daughter to transition and to be gay,” as stated in the file.
The parent’s concerns extended to questioning whether the student participated in a Genders & Sexualities Alliance club – which had been canceled due to low participation – and requested access to email correspondence between former Brevard Public Schools Board Member Jennifer Jenkins and teachers at Satellite High School, “suspecting” Jenkins’ involvement.
Teacher’s Account and District Response
Calhoun, who had consistently received positive performance evaluations, maintained that she had been using the student’s preferred name prior to the enactment of the state statute. She informed Principal Lundy that she was “shocked” by the nature of the complaint and had no “malicious” or “political” intent in continuing to use the student’s chosen name, even while aware of the law’s changes. Following her meetings with Lundy, Calhoun reportedly ceased using preferred names altogether.
While the Brevard Public Schools investigation concluded with a recommendation for a letter of reprimand, it did not suggest Calhoun’s dismissal. However, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell issued the reprimand on April 1 and subsequently informed Calhoun that her contract would not be renewed. The case was then reported to the state on April 11.
A district spokesperson clarified in May 2025 that the decision not to renew Calhoun’s contract was not a disciplinary action, but rather a precautionary measure. The spokesperson explained, “We do not have any historical data to guide us on a FLDOE response to this violation. We do not want to start the 2025-2026 school year with a teacher whose license may be revoked by the state, leaving us without a teacher midyear.” The district has indicated Calhoun is welcome to reapply once the matter is resolved with the state.
Protests and Divided Opinions
Calhoun’s dismissal sparked demonstrations organized by students and community members. One protester, Kylee Rassman, drew a comparison to a separate case involving a Viera High School teacher arrested on domestic violence charges. “I came here because recently, there was a teacher who was arrested for battery, strangulation, and he was let go on administrative leave, so he’s still being paid, and I personally believe that that is a lot worse than referring to somebody by how they wanna be referred to as and respecting somebody’s identity,” she stated.
News 6’s James Sparvero spoke with Matt Susin, who defended the district’s actions, stating, “The bottom line is that we had a situation where the teacher admitted to breaking the law. We have to follow the law.” Susin also acknowledged Calhoun’s positive track record as an educator.
Within the Brevard County School Board, all members supported Superintendent Rendell’s decision except John Thomas, who advocated for reconsidering Calhoun’s dismissal. “I think she made a mistake,” Thomas said. “She acknowledged that mistake, and I think it’s something that she can recover from.”
Policy Review and Gubernatorial Commentary
Brevard Public Schools has announced plans to review its policies to ensure compliance with state law. The situation has also drawn the attention of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who told News 6’s Laverne McGee that teachers should prioritize instruction and that “most parents do not want to send their kid to elementary school and have them be taught things like ‘transgender’ and ‘gender fluidity.’”
Wednesday’s hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. in Orlando, and will determine the future of Melissa Calhoun’s teaching career.
