Florida Attorney General Demands Firing of Sarasota Teacher

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is demanding the firing and certification revocation of Liz Ballard, a history teacher at Pine View School in Sarasota. In a letter to the Sarasota County Schools superintendent and school board, Uthmeier alleged that Ballard harassed an eighth-grade student by singling him out for his conservative views and labeling him a "misogynist."

Uthmeier claims Ballard ignored parental requests to exclude the student from political discussions, instead using the student as the classroom's conservative perspective. The Attorney General further alleged that Ballard spread the misogynist label throughout the school and questioned the suitability and influence of the student's father. Uthmeier asserted that these actions violate Florida law and professional ethical principles, stating that if the allegations are true, Ballard should be barred from teaching in Florida.

Superintendent Terry Connor responded that the district takes the concerns seriously and will examine the facts to take appropriate action. Connor noted that the district will limit public discussion to protect student privacy while ensuring a fair process. The school district has until October 1 to provide the Attorney General's office with an update on the actions taken to address the allegations.