A Florida high school teacher was recently terminated after referring to a transgender student by their preferred name, igniting a national conversation about identity, education policy, and state law.
According to a report by NBC News, the teacher, identified as Casey Scott, was dismissed from Hernando County’s Fox Chapel Middle School after allegedly acknowledging a student’s chosen name in class.
The student, who is transgender, had requested to be called a different name that better reflects their gender identity.
Scott claimed in interviews with ABC Action News that she was trying to create an inclusive environment. “The student asked to be called by a name they felt comfortable with,” she said. “As a teacher, it’s my job to make them feel seen and respected.”
However, the school district argued that her actions violated Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law—commonly referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Passed in 2022, the law restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in certain grades and also empowers parents to challenge instructional decisions.
In a statement to Fox News, the Hernando County School Board defended the firing, stating that the teacher had failed to follow established protocols regarding parental notification and consent.
“The district has a clear policy regarding changes to student records and communication with parents,” the statement read.
This incident adds to a growing number of controversies in Florida schools related to gender identity.
As reported by The Washington Post, multiple teachers and school staff have faced disciplinary action or scrutiny under the law, which critics argue suppresses LGBTQ+ visibility and places educators in difficult positions.
Civil rights groups have condemned the termination. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson told CNN: “This is yet another example of the harmful consequences of state-sanctioned censorship and discrimination. Teachers are being punished for showing compassion and respect.”
Supporters of the legislation, including Governor Ron DeSantis, argue that it protects parental rights and shields students from what they see as politically charged topics.
“We don’t want our schools to be arenas for ideological battles,” DeSantis said during a recent press conference.
The teacher’s union is reportedly reviewing the case, and legal experts suggest the decision may face challenges in court.
Meanwhile, the story continues to gain traction online, with many calling for clearer guidelines on how teachers should navigate the sensitive intersection of personal identity and parental oversight.
