Florida has been full of firsts this month.

Last week, OutSFL reported that a transgender student was arrested for using the women’s restroom at the Florida Capitol, likely the first known enforcement of a 2023 law targeting trans people.

Now, district officials informed Melissa Calhoun, a Brevard County teacher at Satellite High School, that her contract wouldn’t be renewed after she called a student by their preferred name.

Calhoun violated a 2023 rule which requires parental consent for a child to go by anything other than their legal name in school, but is the first to lose a job over the rule. The student’s parents did not sign a consent form.

The termination of Calhoun, who has taught in the district for 12 years, lit a fire in the community. A petition on Change.org calling for her reinstatement has garnered over 48,000 signatures since April 14.

“Ms. Calhoun is an embodiment of what proper education should be: inclusive, understanding, and respectful of individuality,” the petition reads. “Losing her would be a significant loss to Brevard County's education community.”

Roughly 75 students protested the district’s decision at Satellite High School last week.

One student told USA Today that Calhoun’s termination is a major loss for the community.

"Brilliant teachers, completely devoted to education, are a gift I will cherish always and protect and defend, just as they advocate for me and my education," the student said.

School board member John Thomas said that while the situation was “regrettable,” the district is required to follow the law.

"Brevard Public Schools have a clear responsibility to uphold the law, respect parental rights and maintain a strong focus on academic excellence in every classroom," Thomas said. "Renewing a teacher’s contract while their certification is under active review would not only be inappropriate, but also unfair to our students and school community."

Calhoun will finish out her current contract, which expires in May.