Teacher fired from school after calling student by different name 'without permission'
After serving for 11 years with Brevard Public Schools (BPS) in Florida, a respected teacher named Melissa Calhoun has been terminated. Her dismissal came after she violated a state regulation requiring teachers to address students by their legal names. The school board opted not to extend her contract following this breach.
Calhoun's termination resulted from addressing a pupil by a name different from their birth certificate—a common request from students undergoing gender transition or those preferring nicknames. Florida legislation passed in 2023 mandates parental written consent for such name accommodations.
Calhoun worked at Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, approximately one hour southeast of Orlando, under a 10-month agreement scheduled for evaluation in May. In response to her dismissal, supporters created a petition that has garnered over 18,000 signatures, including endorsements from parents of former students.
"Ms. Calhoun, a valued teacher will forfeit her position in Brevard County. A committed educator and esteemed community member in her hometown where she now makes significant contributions, Ms. Calhoun faces punishment simply for showing respect to a student's preferences," the petition states.
"She received discipline for addressing a student by their chosen name instead of their legal name—directly undermining personal dignity and respect."
"Ms. Calhoun represents ideal education: inclusive, compassionate, and honoring individuality. Her departure would significantly impact Brevard County's educational community."
The petition commends Calhoun for honoring her student's preference, while BPS officials confirmed she knowingly contravened regulations by using a name not on the student's birth certificate.
Janet Murnaghan, Chief Strategic Communications Officer, released a statement: "Brevard Public Schools learned that a Satellite High School teacher had been addressing a student by a name other than their legal name without parental authorization when the parent contacted us."
"This explicitly violates state legislation and the district's established protocol for written parental approval. BPS upholds parents' rights as primary decision-makers in their children's lives, and Florida law confirms their right to information."
"Following the allegation, the district conducted a thorough investigation."
Based on the educator's personal acknowledgment of deliberate non-compliance with state regulations, she received an official reprimand letter. The statement emphasized that instructors, like all staff members, must adhere to legal requirements.
The communications officer added: "The instructor is employed under a ten-month agreement ending in May 2025. Given that state authorities will examine her teaching credentials due to these violations, the district has decided against renewing her yearly contract until the matter concludes at the state level."
"At BPS, our priority remains education - instructors exist to teach and provide academic support to students. Our responsibility involves collaborating with parents and guardians to help students achieve success."
"Calhoun served the school district for eleven years and previously taught at DeLaura Middle School, adjacent to Satellite High, before her most recent assignment."
