Florida Teacher Accused of Calling 8th-Grader a 'Misogynist' After Singling Him Out for His Conservative Views

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has accused a history teacher of singling out an eighth-grade student as the conservative voice in classroom political discussions and calling him a 'misogynist'.

Liz Ballard, a teacher at Pine View School in Sarasota County, allegedly continued involving the student in political debates despite his parents' instructions and also questioned his father's influence, according to Uthmeier's 21 September letter to Sarasota County Schools. Uthmeier called for Ballard to be dismissed and her educator certificate revoked if the allegations are substantiated.

However, Ballard's union disputes Uthmeier's account, saying it does not match the district's ongoing investigation. 'What I read in that letter is not accurate at all compared to the actual investigation,' Jason Means, president of the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association, told Tampa-based news station WFLA.

Attorney General Calls for Teacher's Dismissal

Uthmeier said his Office of Parental Rights received allegations that Ballard 'harassed, disparaged, and deliberately tried to cancel' the student because of his conservative views. According to his account, the student told Ballard that his parents had 'expressly forbidden' him from participating in political discussions. Uthmeier alleged that she continued involving him in debates and pressured him 'to defend political positions on demand in front of his classmates.'

The attorney general also alleged that Ballard labelled the student a 'misogynist', spread the characterisation around the school, and 'openly questioned the suitability and influence of the student's father.' Uthmeier said he had been informed that Ballard had been the subject of 'multiple HR investigations initiated by multiple parents.'

Allegations Not Yet Verified

Uthmeier's allegations have not been independently verified. WUSF reported that Attorney General James Uthmeier provided no evidence for the claims in his letter, while the Sarasota County School District said it would examine the relevant facts and ensure a fair process. Uthmeier argued that, if the allegations are substantiated, the alleged conduct would violate Florida law, school board policy, and professional standards 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. 'Based on the foregoing allegations, if true, Ms. Ballard should be dismissed and her educator certificate revoked,' he concluded. He asked the district to update his office by 1 October on what action it had taken or planned to take.

Union Challenges Account

President of the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association Jason Means said the union is representing Ballard in a district investigation that has been underway for several months. 'She's a great teacher at a great school; Pine View's a great school,' he told WFLA.

Means also questioned the attorney general's decision to intervene. 'I feel like he might have bigger fish to fry,' he said. The competing accounts leave the allegations unresolved as the district reviews the matter.

District Promises Fair Process

Sarasota County Schools serves more than 44,000 students across 59 schools, according to the district's website. Terry Connor is the superintendent. Connor said the district had received Uthmeier's letter and would take the allegations seriously.

'Every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe, respected, and free to learn,' the superintendent said. '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,' he added.

Connor also stressed that the district would examine the relevant facts and records and ensure a fair process. 'The allegations in the letter warrant careful attention,' he said. '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.'

The district said it would limit public discussion of individual details because of privacy concerns. It has not publicly disclosed details about Ballard's employment status.