Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling for the dismissal of a Sarasota County public school teacher and the revocation of her teaching certificate after she "deliberately tried to 'cancel' an eighth-grade student for his conservative views," he said.
Uthmeier sent a letter Sept. 21 to Superintendent Terry Connor and Sarasota County School Board members about Pine View School, posting the letter on his X social media account and demanding a response by Oct. 1.
"I sent a letter to Sarasota Schools after a Pine View teacher allegedly labeled an 8th grader a 'misogynist' based on his political affiliation, ignored his parents’ wishes, and disparaged the child’s father," he wrote on X. "If true, she should be fired and never teach in Florida
again."
In a statement, the district said it "take(s) the concerns seriously and will respond ... Every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe, respected, and free to learn. No student should face harassment, humiliation, or retaliation because of their beliefs or their family's views. Respect for students and parents is fundamental to the trust our community places in our schools."
It added that Uthmeier's allegations "warrant careful attention. We will examine the relevant facts and records, ensure a fair process for all involved, and take appropriate action ... To protect student privacy and the process's integrity, we will limit public discussion of individual details. This does not reduce our commitment to accountability."
I sent a letter to Sarasota Schools after a Pine View teacher allegedly labeled an 8th grader a “misogynist” based on his political affiliation, ignored his parents’ wishes, and disparaged the child’s father.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) September 21, 2026
If true, she should be fired and never teach in Florida again. pic.twitter.com/2yRnlA6k7i
Liz Ballard teaches history at the public magnet school for gifted students in Osprey, according to the letter. She "routinely discusses political topics in her classroom," Uthmeier said in the letter.
"After the student informed Ms. Ballard that his parents expressly forbid him to take part in these discussions, Ms. Ballard ignored the parents’ wishes and continued to engage this student as the conservative perspective in the classroom," the letter added.
Ballard reportedly "labeled this student a 'misogynist,' spread this label around the school, and openly questioned the suitability and influence of the student's father."
If true, that's "bullying," Uthmeier said. A copy of the letter was sent to Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack.
Uthmeier, a Republican, is running for the office this year after being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis; he was the governor's chief of staff and managed his unsuccessful 2024 presidential run.
Ballard "singled out this student and, in defiance of his parents’ express instructions, pressured him to defend political positions on demand in front of his classmates," he wrote, adding she "engaged in the reputational destruction of a child" in violation of "Florida law (and) School Board policy."
The school was in the news earlier this year after its principal drew criticism for flagging two student newspaper articles for administrative review before publication because they were critical of the Sarasota County School Board. That prompted concerns from student journalists and free-press advocates about potential censorship.
The principal said the review was intended to ensure accuracy and compliance with school policies, but students and supporters argued the move risked undermining student press freedom and editorial independence.
Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X.com: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida AG calls for firing of Sarasota teacher over 'bullying'
