Florida AG Seeks Teacher's Firing by Oct. 1 Over Eighth-Grader Harassment Claim

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 23

James Uthmeier gave Sarasota County Schools until Oct. 1 to report what action it will take after alleging Pine View history teacher Liz Ballard harassed an eighth-grade student over conservative views.
Uthmeier said Ballard ignored the boy's parents' request to keep him out of political discussions, repeatedly used him as the class's "conservative perspective," and labeled him a "misogynist."
The attorney general said that, if the allegations are true, Ballard violated Florida law, school board policy and at least six educator ethics principles, and should be fired and lose her teaching certificate.
Sarasota Superintendent Terry Connor said the district received the letter, will review the facts and records, and will limit public comment while promising a fair process and accountability.
Uthmeier's letter also cited multiple parent-initiated HR investigations involving Ballard, widening scrutiny beyond the current complaint.