A Florida history teacher allegedly tried to “cancel” an eighth-grader enrolled at one of the state’s elite schools for his conservative beliefs – and now she’s facing calls to be fired.
Liz Ballard, a teacher at Pine View School in Osprey, Fla., is accused of singling out the boy as the “conservative perspective” in her classes before describing him as a “misogynist” and spreading the slur around the school, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a letter on Monday.
Ballard allegedly “harassed, disparaged and deliberately tried to ‘cancel’ an eighth-grade student for his conservative views” during her debates — even though he had previously warned her “his parents expressly forbid him to take part,” according to Uthmeier’s letter.
She “singled out this student and in defiance of his parents’ express instructions, pressured him to defend political positions… in front of his classmates,” the pol said, engaging in what he described as the “reputational destruction of a child.”
The educator then allegedly blasted the boy’s family, “openly [questioning] the suitability and influence of [his] father.”
Ballard has been the subject of “multiple” HR investigations and at the center of parents’ complaints, according to Uthmeier, who has called for her to be dismissed if the claims are legitimate.
The investigation into the teacher has spanned several months, Jason Means, the President of the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association, said, according to WFLA.
Ballard has tried to distance herself from Uthmeier’s claims.
“What I read in that letter is not accurate at all compared to the actual investigation,” she said.
Terry Connor, the superintendent of the Sarasota County School Board, which governs the elite magnet school, has not confirmed whether Ballard is still employed.
“Every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe, respected, and free to learn,” he said in a statement.
“No student should face harassment, humiliation, or retaliation because of their beliefs or their family’s views. Respect for students and parents is fundamental to the trust our community places in our schools.
“The allegations in the letter warrant careful attention. We will examine the relevant facts and records, ensure a fair process for all involved, and take appropriate action based on the findings and requirements.”
Uthmeier has called on the school board to provide an update by Oct. 1.
Pine View School educators teach students from grades two to 12.
The Osprey institution ranks number one among Florida high schools and 13 in the national rankings, according to US News.
In 2023, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education — an award that recognizes excellence or schools that close achievement gaps among students.
More than 9,000 schools received the accolade between 1982 and 2025 before the award was discontinued.
Pine View was named the second-best public elementary school in America last year, according to Niche, and the third-best public middle school in the country.
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