FL Teacher fired for using student’s preferred name speaks at school board meeting

[TimHauck 3,008]

Sounds like they lost a good one.

 

[Tree of Knowledge 1,925]

Another trannie thread.

[Voltaire 5,350]

 

In Florida, teachers need to obtain the parents' permission and consent in order to groom their kid into transgenderdom.

Brevard schools needs a 74th new teacher.

[RaiderHaters Revenge 4,376]

Tim thinks we should have called Mike banana hammock 

what a retard kids don’t get to change their names 

Florida made the right decision. She’s clearly a leftist activist 

[Voltaire 5,350]

Also, she still has her Florida teaching certification, she just didn't get her contract renewed. 

 

[TimHauck 3,008]

6 minutes ago, RaiderHaters Revenge said:

Tim thinks we should have called Mike banana hammock 

what a retard kids don’t get to change their names 

Florida made the right decision. She’s clearly a leftist activist 

She says she didn’t even know the parents didn’t give permission 

[Voltaire 5,350]

1 minute ago, TimHauck said:

She says she didn’t even know the parents didn’t give permission 

In Escambia County, parents have the opportunity to list any alternative names or nicknames teachers are allowed to use for their kid. Most leave that box blank. Out of 175 kids, I have like five parents that take advantage of that. But for those five, its hard to miss, its prominently displayed on the student page and even in the limited space on the seating chart.

For example, I have a kid named Dwayne. All his friends call him D-Bo and the parents indicate I have permission to call him D-Bo too. So I do.

[EternalShinyAndChrome 4,206]

OH NOOOOS!!!! THE HORROR!

Can we get an update?  Has KarenHauck got his very first GC "gotcha" yet?

[Voltaire 5,350]

This is what the school district superintendent has to say about the issue:

------

The Florida Department of Education has issued a formal reprimand and placed a former Brevard Public School teacher, Melissa Calhoun, on a one-year probation for knowingly and repeatedly violating state law by referring to a student by a name that did not match their biological gender, without parental consent.

As Superintendent, I want to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to parental rights. Teachers hold a powerful position of influence, and that influence must never override the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children. This was not a mistake. This was a conscious and deliberate decision to engage in gender affirmation without parental knowledge. We notify parents when students are absent or struggling with classwork; it is unacceptable to withhold information on matters of such personal significance.

This was not a case of confusion or lack of training.

Statute 1000.071 directed the state board of education to adopt rules to implement the statute; 6A-1.0955 is an administrative law that school districts are required to follow. Mrs. Calhoun has acknowledged that her actions were intentional and that she was aware of the law and violated it. That is deeply troubling.

We must have trust in our teachers to act in partnership with families, not come between parents and their children, especially when it comes to these meaningful conversations.

While the state has chosen to allow this individual to retain their certification under probation, I believe it is appropriate that the full term of that probation be completed before any consideration of employment.

Our district will always prioritize the law, the trust of our families, and the rights of parents.

Brevard County Superintendent Mark Rendell

[TimHauck 3,008]

57 minutes ago, Voltaire said:

This is what the school district superintendent has to say about the issue:

------

The Florida Department of Education has issued a formal reprimand and placed a former Brevard Public School teacher, Melissa Calhoun, on a one-year probation for knowingly and repeatedly violating state law by referring to a student by a name that did not match their biological gender, without parental consent.

As Superintendent, I want to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to parental rights. Teachers hold a powerful position of influence, and that influence must never override the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children. This was not a mistake. This was a conscious and deliberate decision to engage in gender affirmation without parental knowledge. We notify parents when students are absent or struggling with classwork; it is unacceptable to withhold information on matters of such personal significance.

This was not a case of confusion or lack of training.

Statute 1000.071 directed the state board of education to adopt rules to implement the statute; 6A-1.0955 is an administrative law that school districts are required to follow. Mrs. Calhoun has acknowledged that her actions were intentional and that she was aware of the law and violated it. That is deeply troubling.

We must have trust in our teachers to act in partnership with families, not come between parents and their children, especially when it comes to these meaningful conversations.

While the state has chosen to allow this individual to retain their certification under probation, I believe it is appropriate that the full term of that probation be completed before any consideration of employment.

Our district will always prioritize the law, the trust of our families, and the rights of parents.

Brevard County Superintendent Mark Rendell

That’s fine.  My point in posting this thread is that based on what I’ve read she seemed like a good teacher (for example, there have been numerous protests from folks demanding she be re-hired).   She apparently had 10 years of excellent employment reviews.   I’m fine if she gets some sort of punishment for this, but firing seems harsh.   Especially for a profession like teaching that has been hard to get quality people to want to do.

I think she mentioned in her speech that her school was getting 73 new teachers?  That seems like a lot, no?  Not sure if that was just for the school or the whole district though.

[Strike 5,691]

10 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

That’s fine.  My point in posting this thread is that based on what I’ve read she seemed like a good teacher (for example, there have been numerous protests from folks demanding she be re-hired).   She apparently had 10 years of excellent employment reviews.   I’m fine if she gets some sort of punishment for this, but firing seems harsh.   Especially for a profession like teaching that has been hard to get quality people to want to do.

I think she mentioned in her speech that her school was getting 73 new teachers?  That seems like a lot, no?  Not sure if that was just for the school or the whole district though.

She intentionally violated not only the district policy but state law.  If I did that I'd be terminated on the spot.

[TimHauck 3,008]

4 minutes ago, Strike said:

She intentionally violated not only the district policy but state law.  If I did that I'd be terminated on the spot.

Why am I not surprised the guy who thinks someone who allowed a 3 year old to play outside by himself with an uncovered pool then ignored said child for 9 minutes shouldn’t be punished at all, also thinks a teacher should be fired with no progressive discipline for calling someone a name they wanted to be called.

[Strike 5,691]

2 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

Why am I not surprised the guy who thinks someone who allowed a 3 year old to play outside by himself with an uncovered pool then ignored said child for 9 minutes shouldn’t be punished at all, also thinks a teacher should be fired with no progressive discipline for calling someone a name they wanted to be called.

Why am I not surprised you just don't get it.

[Fireballer 2,651]

1 hour ago, Voltaire said:

Teachers hold a powerful position of influence, and that influence must never override the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children.

JFC…this is it in a nutshell.  Too bad so many want to keep secrets and threaten parents with 3-letter agencies from DC.

[seafoam1 3,190]

4 hours ago, TimHauck said:

Sounds like they lost a good one.

 

Winning. Get rid of the trash. 

[seafoam1 3,190]

40 minutes ago, TimHauck said:

Why am I not surprised the guy who thinks someone who allowed a 3 year old to play outside by himself with an uncovered pool then ignored said child for 9 minutes shouldn’t be punished at all, also thinks a teacher should be fired with no progressive discipline for calling someone a name they wanted to be called.

It's fun to watch you lose. 

[EternalShinyAndChrome 4,206]

12 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

JFC…this is it in a nutshell.  Too bad so many want to keep secrets and threaten parents with 3-letter agencies from DC.

The left lost big when they thought they were so emboldened that they could go after people's kids.

People are finally pushing back and rightfully so. The left, once again, is on the wrong side of History.

[TimHauck 3,008]

Some interesting background here (and the second link within):

https://thespacecoastrocket.com/bps-rejects-rehiring-of-teacher-cleared-to-teach-despite-allowing-educators-with-more-serious-misconduct-to-remain-in-classrooms/
 

TL/DR:

-Student in question used the preferred name as far back as 8th grade, but the Mom did not file the complaint until a couple months before they were set to graduate high school and turn 18.  Mom never brought the matter to the teacher, other teachers, or school administrators. (And yes, that is a photo of the mom wearing a poop hat)

-Teacher taught student since 2022, this law didn’t come about until 2023

-Article notes that the district has been much more lenient with teachers charged with other criminal acts, even including child neglect.  And notes that one of the most outspoken board members about Ms Calhoun, fought the firing of a different teacher who refused to take a drug test

-Teacher says she never discussed gender topics with the student, and when informed of the complaint, immediately told the student she would have to call them by their birth name

-During the course of the investigation, other students in the class were interviewed by HR about the teacher’s use of the other student’s preferred name and required to give written statements, without parental approval and thus likely in violation of the same law.

-Due to the teacher’s spotless prior record and willingness to abide by the law, the initial  investigation recommended only a “Letter of Reprimand.”  But instead her contract was not renewed.

 

[Fireballer 2,651]

And here’s this idiot again pouring gas on the fire.  She’s the one that compared “parental rights” to racial and segregational rhetoric post Brown vs Board.  

https://x.com/rweingarten/status/1955653162766836095?s=46&t=DFWeVowvyy-F23jlecK3zw

[The Elevator Killer 599]

14 hours ago, Voltaire said:

 

In Florida, teachers need to obtain the parents' permission and consent in order to groom their kid into transgenderdom.

Brevard schools needs a 74th new teacher.

Are you in Florida now? 

[squistion 2,260]

SMH.

Is it too much to ask that a student be called by the name they prefer to go by (within reason, of course).

[posty 2,740]

6 minutes ago, squistion said:

SMH.

Is it too much to ask that a student be called by the name they prefer to go by (within reason, of course).

Where my wife teaches, the school system doesn't require to tell parents if their child wants to go by a different name than their death name (she teaches in middle school - 7th and 8th grade)...  A nickname like Joe, instead of Joseph, won't raise any flags...  However, if a child wants to be call Marion and their death name is Andrew, what will happen during correspondence if the parents aren't notified by the school?  A teacher calls this individual Marion constantly in class, but the first email to a parent about a problem academically, there will be hell to pay (pointed at teacher), if one forgets and says Marion in the email instead of Andrew...  Most administrations around here always agree with the parents, so that teacher would either get reprimanded or fired because of a stupid slip like this...

[MDC 7,549]

Republicans hate teachers and transgenders and she’s teaching in a highly political state like Florida. I think it’s a stupid reason to be dismissed but she should’ve known the environment. Getting a job in another state would probably be their gain and Florida’s loss.

[MLCKAA 581]

14 hours ago, Voltaire said:

This is what the school district superintendent has to say about the issue:

------

The Florida Department of Education has issued a formal reprimand and placed a former Brevard Public School teacher, Melissa Calhoun, on a one-year probation for knowingly and repeatedly violating state law by referring to a student by a name that did not match their biological gender, without parental consent.

As Superintendent, I want to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to parental rights. Teachers hold a powerful position of influence, and that influence must never override the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children. This was not a mistake. This was a conscious and deliberate decision to engage in gender affirmation without parental knowledge. We notify parents when students are absent or struggling with classwork; it is unacceptable to withhold information on matters of such personal significance.

This was not a case of confusion or lack of training.

Statute 1000.071 directed the state board of education to adopt rules to implement the statute; 6A-1.0955 is an administrative law that school districts are required to follow. Mrs. Calhoun has acknowledged that her actions were intentional and that she was aware of the law and violated it. That is deeply troubling.

We must have trust in our teachers to act in partnership with families, not come between parents and their children, especially when it comes to these meaningful conversations.

While the state has chosen to allow this individual to retain their certification under probation, I believe it is appropriate that the full term of that probation be completed before any consideration of employment.

Our district will always prioritize the law, the trust of our families, and the rights of parents.

Brevard County Superintendent Mark Rendell

He calls her by name twice and then near the end uses a plural pronoun for her.  Eyeroll.

[The Elevator Killer 599]

8 minutes ago, MDC said:

Republicans hate teachers and transgenders and she’s teaching in a highly political state like Florida. I think it’s a stupid reason to be dismissed but she should’ve known the environment. Getting a job in another state would probably be their gain and Florida’s loss.

Brother, as one with a Florida education I can tell you they could mostly start over and it would have to be an improvement. And it's only gotten worse. At least I know that we didn't land a man on the sun. The kids today, not so much. Florida really needs to get back to the basics. Teach them to read, write and add. 

[MDC 7,549]

7 minutes ago, The Elevator Killer said:

Brother, as one with a Florida education I can tell you they could mostly start over and it would have to be an improvement. And it's only gotten worse. At least I know that we didn't land a man on the sun. The kids today, not so much. Florida really needs to get back to the basics. Teach them to read, write and add. 

FL is surprisingly ranked pretty high nationally in public education. I’d have expected them to be near the bottom and teaching science classes about Adam and Eve riding dinosaurs and shiit.  

[The Elevator Killer 599]

10 minutes ago, MDC said:

FL is surprisingly ranked pretty high nationally in public education. I’d have expected them to be near the bottom and teaching science classes about Adam and Eve riding dinosaurs and shiit.  

That's a sad thing to say about national education. LOL (I don't have kids so I really don't know about the current state of Florida Education. I'm just talking out my ass.)

[The Elevator Killer 599]

18 minutes ago, MDC said:

FL is surprisingly ranked pretty high nationally in public education. I’d have expected them to be near the bottom and teaching science classes about Adam and Eve riding dinosaurs and shiit.  

I meant to message you that I thought the NFC Championship would be between our 2 teams, then the Bucs decided to wear the throwback jerseys in not one, not two, but 3 games. They are 1-5 wearing those. Those uniforms are cursed. Why Bucs? Why?

[MDC 7,549]

3 minutes ago, The Elevator Killer said:

I meant to message you that I thought the NFC Championship would be between our 2 teams, then the Bucs decided to wear the throwback jerseys in not one, not two, but 3 games. They are 1-5 wearing those. Those uniforms are cursed. Why Bucs? Why?

Because the creamsicle uniforms are focking awesome?

[The Elevator Killer 599]

4 minutes ago, MDC said:

Because the creamsicle uniforms are focking awesome?

Being a Bucs fan since 1976 i say they are not. I didn't like them back then and I don't like them now. I'm sure it's just to sell more jerseys, but come on. They are screaming that this year is a Superbowl push year and then they do this. 

 

[TBayXXXVII 2,574]

1 minute ago, The Elevator Killer said:

Being a Bucs fan since 1976 i say they are not. I didn't like them back then and I don't like them now. I'm sure it's just to sell more jerseys, but come on. They are screaming that this year is a Superbowl push year and then they do this. 

 

There will be no Super Bowl parade this year unless that defense gets a LOT better.

[MDC 7,549]

2 minutes ago, The Elevator Killer said:

Being a Bucs fan since 1976 i say they are not. I didn't like them back then and I don't like them now. I'm sure it's just to sell more jerseys, but come on. They are screaming that this year is a Superbowl push year and then they do this. 

 

Their uni kit is a little weird to me. Red and Orange together only goes with white. Shoehorning orange in with the pewter is overly busy. At least they got rid of the alarm clock numbers.

[The Elevator Killer 599]

8 minutes ago, TBayXXXVII said:

There will be no Super Bowl parade this year unless that defense gets a LOT better.

I like the young guys the got in the draft. If Reddick returns to form that will help a lot. But this offense is scary. The receivers room is stacked. The offensive line is solid, or will be when Wirfs returns. Bucky Irving is going to be great and White backing him up is solid. I like Baker. Too many turnovers, but nothing like Shamus Winston. I had high hopes. 

[The Elevator Killer 599]

10 minutes ago, MDC said:

Their uni kit is a little weird to me. Red and Orange together only goes with white. Shoehorning orange in with the pewter is overly busy. At least they got rid of the alarm clock numbers.

Yeah I didn't like the alarm clock numbers. What were they thinking? 

[TBayXXXVII 2,574]

1 hour ago, The Elevator Killer said:

I like the young guys the got in the draft. If Reddick returns to form that will help a lot. But this offense is scary. The receivers room is stacked. The offensive line is solid, or will be when Wirfs returns. Bucky Irving is going to be great and White backing him up is solid. I like Baker. Too many turnovers, but nothing like Shamus Winston. I had high hopes. 

We'll see, I don't follow college football much, but my son is a big Ohio St fan, so he likes the Egbuka pick.  Outside of that, I don't really know anyone else.  As for Reddick, I'm skeptical.  He signed a 3-year deal with the Eagles and had a big season surrounded by great talent.  The following year, he was back to what he was prior to signing with the Eagles.  They didn't like what they saw Y2 and so they traded him.  He made a big fuss with the deal, finally played, and had the worst year of his career.  Might he have a big year on another on a contract year, since he only signed a 1-yr deal?  Maybe... but I don't like the optics.  He's going to be 31 next month, not 28 like his big season in Philly.  I have very tempered expectations... and I'm nervous of the results.  If he does what he did with the Eagles in that he has a great season, then slacks off after getting new deal, that's going to hurt.

Baker is "fine".  He's another case where I think he's similar to Reddick... had a monster year surrounded by great talent.  He'll have that this year as well, so I expect a good season.  The thing I worry about him, like with Reddick, a good season might turn into a Dak Prescott 4-yr $240M deal where he's getting $60M AAV.   That's too much money to pay a JAG, in my opinion.

 

Also, THESE were the best jersey's.

[MDC 7,549]

I’m baffled by Reddick. He seemed like a stellar teammate and great pure pass rusher in Philly. But he’s had double digit sack seasons with three different teams that all let him walk. 

He might just be an ass hole.

[The Elevator Killer 599]

44 minutes ago, MDC said:

I’m baffled by Reddick. He seemed like a stellar teammate and great pure pass rusher in Philly. But he’s had double digit sack seasons with three different teams that all let him walk. 

He might just be an ass hole.

Our GM and coach has been praising him. Jason doesn't let jerks into the locker room. Players past and present talk about the great culture in the locker room. If someone becomes a distraction, they are gone. If someone has a character issue, he takes them off the draft board. We have him on a 1 year deal and I don't expect them to resign him because of the money he will ask for if he has a great year. 

[Voltaire 5,350]

8 hours ago, The Elevator Killer said:

Are you in Florida now? 

Yes, I teach 8th grade math in the panhandle to kids who never learned 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th grade math. At the end of the school year, the assistant principal comes through and gives all my students a D so they can become the High School's problem next year.

Also, my daughter in 7th grade doesn't go to my school. We get a state-funded scholarship and she goes to a nearby Christian private school.

[Voltaire 5,350]

7 hours ago, MDC said:

Because the creamsicle uniforms are focking awesome?

They really are. They look great. Unfortunately, the years they wore them, the team sucked.

[TimHauck 3,008]

52 minutes ago, Voltaire said:

Yes, I teach 8th grade math in the panhandle to kids who never learned 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th grade math. At the end of the school year, the assistant principal comes through and gives all my students a D so they can become the High School's problem next year.

Also, my daughter in 7th grade doesn't go to my school. We get a state-funded scholarship and she goes to a nearby Christian private school.

Florida: don’t say gay!

Also Florida: We’ll pay for you to go to Christian school to learn about Jesus

lol