Overview

• Melissa Calhoun, a teacher at Satellite High School, admitted to using a student’s preferred name without obtaining the required parental consent, violating Florida state law.
• Her contract for the upcoming school year will not be renewed, and her teaching credentials are under review by the state.
• This marks the first known enforcement of Florida's 2023 law mandating parental approval for the use of alternative names or pronouns in schools.
• The decision has sparked significant community backlash, with over 18,000 signatures on a petition calling for her reinstatement and protests by students and parents.
• Supporters of Calhoun argue her actions promoted inclusivity and respect for student identity, while critics emphasize the importance of parental authority in education.