1 hour ago
1
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier
A Florida school district is reviewing allegations involving a history teacher accused of repeatedly singling out an eighth-grade student over his conservative views and calling him a “misogynist”.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier raised the allegations in a letter sent to Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor and the school board. The teacher, Liz Ballard, works at Pine View School in Osprey.According to Uthmeier, the student had told Ballard that his parents did not want him taking part in political discussions at school. The attorney general alleges that she nevertheless continued to use him as the “conservative perspective” during classroom debates and pressured him to defend political positions in front of other students.
Uthmeier further alleged that Ballard called the student a “misogynist”, circulated the description around the school and questioned his father's influence.“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 in the letter.He said the allegations, if established, could amount to violations of Florida law, school board policy and professional standards for educators.
Uthmeier has called for Ballard's dismissal and the revocation of her teaching certificate if the claims are substantiated. He has asked the school district to provide an update by October 1.Ballard has disputed the attorney general's account.“What I read in that letter is not accurate at all compared to the actual investigation,” she said, according to reports.The district has not confirmed whether Ballard remains employed at Pine View.
Connor said the allegations would be examined through the appropriate process.“Every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe, respected, and free to learn,” Connor said in a statement. “No student should face harassment, humiliation, or retaliation because of their beliefs or their family’s views.”He added that the district would “examine the relevant facts and records, ensure a fair process for all involved, and take appropriate action based on the findings and requirements.”Uthmeier's letter also refers to multiple previous HR investigations involving Ballard that parents initiated. Jason Means, president of the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association, said the investigation involving the teacher had been continuing for several months.Pine View School serves students from grades two through 12 and is a public school for gifted students. The school has received national recognition, including a National Blue Ribbon School designation in 2023.
