Florida AG accuses teacher of labeling student a 'misogynist' over 'conservative views': 'She should be fired'

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.

WASHINGTON FATHER SUES SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DENYING RELIGIOUS OPT-OUT FOR 5TH GRADER FROM LGBTQ INSTRUCTION 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.

PORTLAND PARENT BANNED FROM SCHOOL EVENTS AFTER OPPOSING GENDER IDENTITY ASSIGNMENT FILES LAWSUIT "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.