Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleged that a teacher harassed and attempted to “cancel” an eighth-grade student and labeled him a “misogynist” over what Uthmeier described as the student’s conservative political views.
Uthmeier sent a letter to Sarasota County Schools’ Superintendent Terry Connor and the school board over allegations that a Pine View School history teacher, Liz Ballard, singled out the eighth grade student on multiple occasions over his political views.
Ballard often brings up political topics during class despite the student telling her that his parents “expressly forbid” him from participating in the political discussions, according to the letter.
The parents’ demand was ignored and the teacher continued to hold political discussions, using the student as the “conservative perspective in the classroom,” the attorney general said.
The teacher even labeled the student a “misogynist,” spread that characterization around the school and “openly questioned the suitability and influence of the student’s father,” Uthmeier said in the letter.
Uthmeier’s letter says multiple parents previously initiated HR investigations involving Ballard.
If the bullying and harassment allegations are true, Uthmeier said the teacher would have violated Florida law, School Board policy and basic ethical principles for educators.
“Ms. 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,” Uthmeier wrote.
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“She made disparaging remarks about his father. And by facilitating the spread of a damaging label throughout the school, she engaged in the reputational destruction of a child. Ms. Ballard’s deliberate bullying and harassment of this eighth-grade student violated Florida law, School Board policy, and at least six ethical principles,” he continued.
He said she should be dismissed from her role with the school district and her educator certificate should be revoked if the allegations turn out to be true.
“If true, she should be fired and never teach in Florida again,” he said.
The attorney general gave the superintendent and school board an Oct. 1 deadline to update his office on the actions the district has taken or will take to address the allegations.
Connor said Sarasota County Schools received a letter from Uthmeier about allegations involving teacher.
“We take the concerns seriously and will respond to the Attorney General’s Office,” Connor said in a statement to FOX 13. “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,” he added.
