A Florida teacher has lost her job following allegations from a parent who accused her of “grooming” a student “to transition and be gay” — a claim that led to an investigation but no recommendation for dismissal. Despite this, the school district chose to end her contract.
Melissa Calhoun, an AP English teacher at Satellite High School, is believed to be the first Florida educator dismissed under a 2023 rule requiring parental permission before educators use a student’s preferred name. The rule is part of Florida’s broader slate of laws and policies often referred to as “Don’t Say Gay,” which critics argue limit LGBTQ+ visibility in schools.
According to a report obtained by Florida Today through a Freedom of Information Act request, the accusation originated in March when Brevard County school board member Matt Viser received a complaint from a parent. The parent claimed that educators were attempting to “influence and groom” her daughter’s identity.
An internal investigation followed, during which Calhoun was the only teacher to acknowledge using the student’s chosen name — a practice that began in 2022, prior to the rule’s introduction. Calhoun immediately ceased doing so once informed of the policy and said she had no political motive in using the name.
She explained that she had not verified whether the student, a 17-year-old dual-enrolled at Eastern Florida State College, had submitted the required parental permission form. Calhoun called it a “complete oversight” and noted there had been no behavioural or academic issues that necessitated parental contact.
Despite her cooperation and the recommendation for only a formal reprimand, Superintendent Mark Rendell chose not to renew her contract. The school district reported the incident to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), expressing concern that the state might later revoke Calhoun’s teaching license.
A district spokesperson defended the decision, citing uncertainty over how the FLDOE might react. “We do not want to start the 2025–2026 school year with a teacher whose license may be revoked by the state,” they stated.
Since the announcement in April, Calhoun has received widespread public support. At a recent school board meeting, she received a standing ovation. Retired teacher Bill Pearlman was among many who voiced disappointment in the board’s handling of the matter.
“You showed no kindness, no compassion, no due process, and no recognition of the excellence that she has shared with the estimated 3,000 students in her career,” Pearlman said.
Nearly all public speakers at the meeting backed Calhoun, with the exceptions being a military veteran and the local chair of Moms for Liberty. The board has not taken further action.
