Florida history teacher accused of singling out an 8th-grader and calling him a ‘misogynist.’ Now the AG is calling for her to lose her job

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has called for the termination of Liz Ballard, a veteran history teacher at Pine View School in Osprey, over allegations that she targeted and attempted to “cancel” an eighth-grade student over his conservative views.

According to the National Enquirer, in a Sept. 21, 2026 letter to Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor, Uthmeier demanded Ballard’s dismissal and the revocation of her teaching credentials. He alleged that she forced the student to represent a conservative viewpoint, labeled him a “misogynist,” and damaged his reputation.

The state attorney general also alleged that Ballard continued to involve the student in highly charged political debates despite his parents explicitly asking the school not to have him participate in those discussions.

The parents didn’t want the student having political debates at school

According to Uthmeier’s letter, the student had told Ballard that his parents did not want him taking part in the political discussions. Uthmeier alleged that she continued using him as the conservative perspective in the classroom and pressured him to defend political positions in front of his classmates.

He also alleged that Ballard made disparaging remarks about the boy’s father and helped spread the “misogynist” label around the school. Uthmeier described the alleged conduct as the deliberate destruction of a minor child’s reputation.

Uthmeier argued that Ballard’s alleged actions violated Florida law, Sarasota County School Board policies, and at least six ethical principles governing professional educators. He said that if the allegations are confirmed, Ballard should be dismissed and have her educator certificate revoked.

The attorney general has given the school district until Oct. 1 to provide an update on what action it has taken or plans to take.

Sarasota County Schools, however, has urged caution while the investigation continues. Superintendent Terry Connor acknowledged receiving Uthmeier’s letter and said the district would examine the relevant facts and records before making any final decisions.

Connor also stressed the importance of a fair process for everyone involved, with the district saying it will review the matter before determining whether disciplinary action is necessary.

Meanwhile, Ballard has strongly disputed the account presented by the attorney general. In comments to the media, she said the characterization in Uthmeier’s letter does not accurately reflect what happened in her classroom or the details of the district’s investigation.

Jason Means, president of the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association, is representing Ballard during the inquiry. Means defended Ballard’s reputation as an educator at Pine View School and said the investigation has already been going on for several months.

The allegations remain under investigation

Means also questioned Uthmeier’s involvement, suggesting that the attorney general may have overstepped the usual boundaries of a local school investigation. He argued that the district’s process should be allowed to play out.

For now, the allegations against her remain under investigation, with the school district expected to determine what, if any, disciplinary action should follow.