Florida AG urges dismissal of teacher who singled out student for conservative views

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote to Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor and the school board, accusing history teacher Liz Ballard of bullying an eighth-grade student over his conservative political stance. According to the letter, Ballard ignored the student's parents, who had explicitly instructed that he not participate in political discussions, and used him as a "conservative perspective" in class.

She allegedly labeled the student a "misogynist," circulated the accusation among staff, and publicly challenged the character of his father. Uthmeier said these actions, if true, violate Florida law, district policy and multiple educator ethics principles, and called for Ballard's termination and revocation of her teaching certificate. He gave the district until Oct. 1 to report any actions taken. Superintendent Connor said the district will review the allegations, protect student privacy, and ensure a fair process.