In Viera, Florida, the Brevard Public Schools board on Florida’s Space Coast has opted not to renew the contract of an English teacher, Melissa Calhoun, who used a student’s chosen name without obtaining parental consent, which contravenes a state law. This decision has sparked a response from the community, leading to demonstrations of support from students and parents who gathered at a school board meeting to advocate for the teacher’s contract renewal at Satellite High School. The teacher’s use of the student’s preferred name was meant to align with the student’s gender identity and was seen as an act of empathy by many of her supporters.
Calhoun’s actions were in direct conflict with legislation endorsed by Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis earlier in 2023. This law mandates parental approval for the usage of any alternate name differing from a student’s legal name, as stated by Janet Murnaghan, a representative of Brevard Public Schools. The regulations are designed to reinforce the supervisory role of parents in educational settings.
Mark Rendell, the schools superintendent, addressed the situation to local media, emphasizing the crucial role of parental involvement in education. He stated, “The parent is our partner in this education endeavor that we have with our children. This law was actually put in place to ensure that partnership was maintained.” The statement underscores the school district’s commitment to uphold the collaborative relationship between schools and families as dictated by state law.