WESH 6: ‘Didn’t do anything violent:’ Protests grow for Florida teacher who lost job after using student’s ‘preferred’ name →
Supporters of a popular teacher losing her job for using a student’s ‘preferred’ name without a parent’s permission held another rally Friday to protest Brevard Public Schools’ decision not to renew Melissa Calhoun’s contract.
Florida Today: Brevard teacher whose contract isn’t being renewed focused on students →
‘It is unfair that teachers work in a district where they can’t respect their students by simply calling them what they preferred to be called,’ said Parsons, who purposely wore blue, Calhoun’s favorite color. ‘It’s unacceptable that teachers have to face such dramatic consequences.’
Press Release: Rally for Calhoun
For Immediate Release: Brevard Community Hosts “Stand with Calhoun Rally” Ahead of Key School Board Vote
Comic Sands: FL Teacher Loses Job Using Student’s Preferred Name →
“A Florida community is outraged after a veteran high school teacher was fired for calling a student by their preferred name rather than their legal name.
CBC As It Happens: First Known Dismissal Resulting from the “Nickname Rule”
Interview with Brevard County parent and activist Amy Roub, about Ms. Calhoun’s dismissal. The interview starts at 9:15 into the podcast. (CBC Listen, 4/14/2025)
Florida Today: What does Florida law say on teachers calling students by chosen names? →
In the wake of a Brevard teacher losing her job as a result of using a student’s preferred name without parental consent, questions have arisen about what the Florida law actually says.
The Independent: Florida teacher fired after calling student their ‘preferred name’ without parents’ permission →
A Florida teacher was fired by a school district after she called a pupil by their preferred name without getting permission from their parents.
Truthout: Florida Teacher Loses Job for Using Student’s Chosen Name →
Melissa Calhoun, a public school teacher in Florida, has been informed that her contract will not be renewed after she used a student’s chosen name without parental consent.
Daily Mail: Florida teacher is fired after calling student by their preferred name →
A Florida teacher has been fired after calling a student by their preferred name instead of their legal one
Florida Teacher Loses Job Over Trans Student’s Name, But Community Fights Back →
Brevard County Public Schools quietly dismissed Melissa Calhoun, an AP Literature teacher at Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida, largely behind closed doors. Her crime: calling a supposedly trans student by their name.