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. While several states have enacted similar anti-trans legislation, Calhoun’s case appears to be the first publicly reported instance where a teacher’s job has been directly impacted for affirming a student’s identity.

In July 2023, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 1069, part of a broader effort to target what state officials have called “woke gender ideology.” The law prohibits public school staff from using pronouns or titles that differ from a student’s sex assigned at birth. That same year, the Florida State Board of Education codified the measure into administrative policy under Rule 6A-1.0955.

Florida has a formal disciplinary process for educators who violate State Board of Education rules. It begins with an investigation by the Office of Professional Practices Services and may lead to sanctions by the Education Practices Commission, including suspension or revocation of teaching certification. One specific rule that can trigger disciplinary action is Rule 6A-10.081, the Principles of Professional Conduct, which includes provisions prohibiting educators from failing to comply with local school board policies.