Teacher Loses Job After Calling Student By Different Name Without Parent's Permission

After more than a decade of service, a beloved teacher has lost her job following a complaint that she called a student by a name not officially listed on school records.

Melissa Calhoun had worked at Brevard Public Schools (BPS) in Brevard County, Florida, for 11 years. However, after breaking a state law that requires teachers to use a student's legal name, the school board decided not to renew her contract.

She was let go after one of her students asked her to use a different name — something often requested by students undergoing gender transition or simply wanting to use a nickname. A 2023 law says written parental permission must be provided before a name change can be used at school.

Calhoun had been teaching at Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, about an hour southeast of Orlando, under a 10-month contract set to be reviewed in May.

Since her dismissal, a petition calling for her reinstatement has gathered more than 18,000 signatures, including support from parents of her former students.

"Ms. Calhoun, a cherished teacher will lose her teaching position in Brevard County. A dedicated educator and respected member of the community where she grew up and now greatly contributes, Ms. Calhoun is being punished merely for showing respect to a student's choices," it stated.

Melissa Calhoun has been fired from her post after 11 years working for Brevard Public Schools Change.org

"She was reprimanded for referring to a student by the name they prefer rather than their official name - a direct blow to personal rights and respect."

"Ms. Calhoun is an embodiment of what proper education should be: inclusive, understanding, and respectful of individuality. Losing her would be a significant loss to Brevard County's education community."

The petition praised Calhoun for honoring her student’s request. Meanwhile, Brevard Public Schools released a statement saying Calhoun knowingly broke the law by using a name not listed on the student's birth certificate.

Chief Strategic Communications Officer Janet Murnaghan shared the following statement: "Brevard Public Schools (BPS) was made aware that a teacher at Satellite High School had been referring to a student by a name other than their legal name, without parental permission when the parent reached out to us."

"This directly violates state law and the district's standardized process for written parental consent. BPS supports parents' rights to be the primary decision-makers in their children's lives, and Florida law affirms their right to be informed."

"After the accusation was made, the district conducted a detailed investigation. Based on the teacher's own admission that she knowingly did not comply with state statute she received a letter of reprimand. Teachers, like all employees, are expected to follow the law."

Calhoun was employed at Satellite High School, in Florida Google Maps

She went on to add: "The teacher is working under a ten-month contract that expires in May 2025. Since the state will be reviewing her teaching certificate based on these actions, the district decided not to renew the annual contract until the issue is resolved with the state."

"At BPS, our focus is on education - teachers are here to teach and support students academically. Our job is to work in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure student success."

"Calhoun worked for the school district for eleven years and taught at DeLaura Middle School, next to Satellite High, before her current position."