BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – At dismissal Thursday, students at Satellite High School rallied in support of a teacher who won’t be returning to the classroom next year.
On Wednesday, News 6 reported that Brevard County isn’t renewing Melissa Calhoun’s contract because the school district said the AP literature teacher broke state law by calling a student a name the student wanted to be called — not the student’s legal name — without written permission from the student’s parents.
Students who disagreed with the decision held signs in the school parking lot on Thursday, reading slogans like, “Satellite High School supports Mrs. Calhoun.”
One of Calhoun’s students, Brianna Knight, told News 6 reporter James Sparvero that her teacher is not letting emotions get the best of her as she teaches the remainder of her final semester.
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“She is teaching the exact same,” Knight said. “It’s clear that she’s upset about it, which she has every right to be, but she has just kept pushing us to do our best.”
Knight said Calhoun is choosing to be private and not share her side of the story.
“I understand it’s policy, but I don’t think it’s right, and just to see that she was just not renewed was truly very upsetting,” Knight said.
Senior Gabriel Gembarowski joined students speaking to reporters in support of Calhoun.
“I feel it’s completely unjust, honestly,” he said. “She was a kind, well-liked teacher, very well-respected.”
A petition to rehire Melissa Calhoun now has more than 12,000 signatures.
Brevard Public Schools said Calhoun taught in the district for 11 years.
Before Satellite High School, she taught right next door at DeLaura Middle School.
“With as much as our teachers have to deal with, it seems minute to have to deal with this, as well,” parent Robert Jones said. “That seems more petty politics.”
Brevard County’s teachers’ union is standing with Ms. Calhoun, too.
You can read the full statement from the Brevard Federation of Teachers below.
“Educators simply want to do what they love and what they are highly trained to do: teach to the best of their ability, support the best outcomes for their students, and help students thrive. Today, we stand in solidarity with a teacher in Brevard for the actions taken against them for calling a soon-to-be graduating high school senior by the name the student has been known as for most of their high school career. We are shocked at the superintendent’s heavy-handed decision to essentially terminate a veteran teacher who has inspired and advocated for her community, profession, and students for more than 12 years. We hope the superintendent will reconsider their decision and ensure this educator’s legacy can continue. Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—they need classrooms where they can learn, grow, thrive, and connect with their educators, peers, and communities. Every educator deserves the ability to do their job without fear of whatever political battle they will be thrown into."
Brevard Federation of Teachers
The school district sent News 6 another statement Thursday, too.
It listed a total of four state laws, board policies, and principles of conduct that the district said Calhoun violated.
Brevard Public Schools conducted an investigation following a parent’s complaint, revealing that the teacher willingly chose to violate state law.
The following state laws, board policies, and principles of conduct were violated:
• Florida State Statute 1000.071: Personal Titles and Pronouns
• Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.0955: Education Records
• Brevard Public Schools Board Policy 3210: Standards of Ethical Conduct
• Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida State Board Rule, 6A-10.081(2)(c)(4)
Calhoun’s contract expires in May.
