SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling for a Sarasota teacher to be reprimanded saying the educator continually harasses an eighth-grade student “for his conservative views.” Uthmeier posted a letter on his Facebook page Monday that he sent to Sarasota County Superintendent Terry Conner stating that history teacher Liz Ballard at Pine View School routinely discusses political topics in her classroom.
The student told the teacher his parents forbid him from discussing politics in class, according to Uthmeier, but the teacher persists and continues engaging the child as the “conservative perspective” in the classroom.
“Ms. Ballard eventually labeled this student a misogynist, spread this label around the school, and openly questioned the suitability and influence of the student’s father,” Uthmeier stated in his letter.
“If true, she should be fired and never teach in Florida again,” Uthmeier stated alleging the teacher’s actions are tantamount to bullying and harassment which is forbidden in Florida schools, he said.
Uthmeier has given the school board and the superintendent until Oct. 1 to give his office an update on the actions it has taken or will take to address the allegations.
Superintendent Conner sent a letter to Action News Jax’s partner FOX 13 Tampa Bay which states the following:
“Sarasota County Schools received a letter from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier about allegations involving a teacher and a student at Pine View School. We take the concerns seriously and will respond to the Attorney General’s Office. 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. The allegations in the letter warrant careful attention. We will examine the relevant facts and records, ensure a fair process for all involved, and take appropriate action based on the findings and requirements. 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. Our focus remains on our students’ well-being, the professionalism of our classrooms, and the confidence families place in Sarasota County Schools.”
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