Melissa Calhoun, a Florida teacher, faced allegations related to a student's nickname linked to gender identity. The Florida Education Practices Commission upheld a settlement allowing Calhoun to keep her teaching certification while agreeing to pay a fine and take an ethics course. Although she retained her certification, she will not be rehired by Brevard Public Schools due to her probation status after the settlement. This situation arises amid ongoing debates regarding Florida's 'don't say gay' law that restricts discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.
Calhoun, who told administrators she did not know the student's preferred 'male' nickname was an issue or that using it violated the state's infamous 'don't say gay' law, agreed to pay a $750 fine to the state and take an ethics course.
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.
Calhoun was the first Florida teacher who faced termination for violating the state's law, which bars any instruction in public schools about gender identity or sexual orientation.
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