Florida Teacher Fired After 11 Years for Using Student’s Preferred Name Without Parental Permission
A Florida middle school teacher has been fired after 11 years of service for using a student’s preferred name in class — a decision made without the parents’ consent, according to school officials.
The incident reportedly began when the student, a teenager who identifies with a name different from their legal name, asked the teacher to use that name in class. The teacher agreed, aiming to support the student’s comfort and identity in the classroom. However, the student’s parents later discovered the use of the preferred name and filed a formal complaint with the school administration.
Following an internal review, the school district decided to terminate the teacher, citing a violation of district policy requiring parental approval before making changes to a student’s name or pronouns in school records or classroom use.
“This is not about personal beliefs,” a district spokesperson said in a statement. “It’s about following established protocol and ensuring that parents remain fully informed and involved in decisions regarding their child’s education.”
The firing has sparked controversy across Florida and beyond, with some praising the school’s adherence to policy, while others accuse the district of punishing a teacher for showing empathy and respect.
Civil rights advocates argue the case reflects a growing tension between parental rights laws and LGBTQ+ student protections in schools.
“This teacher was doing what educators are trained to do — create a safe space for students,” said a spokesperson for the Florida chapter of the ACLU. “Firing her sends a chilling message to others.”
As of now, the teacher has not spoken publicly but is reportedly considering legal action.
The case comes amid broader national debates over how schools should handle issues of gender identity, student privacy, and parental involvement — debates that continue to divide communities across the U.S.