Florida teacher accused of calling student a 'misogynist' and trying to 'cancel' him for his 'conservative views'

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling for Liz Ballard, a history teacher at Pine View School in Sarasota County, to lose both her job and her educator certificate after she allegedly targeted an eighth-grade student because of his conservative views. Ballard is accused of repeatedly compelling the boy to represent the conservative side in classroom debates, even though his parents had explicitly forbidden his participation in political discussions. She also allegedly labelled the student a 'misogynist' and spread that characterisation throughout the school.

Uthmeier wrote to Sarasota County Schools on Monday, warning that Ballard's conduct 'violated Florida law, school board policy, and basic ethical principles for educators.'

The teacher allegedly disregarded the parents' direct request and went on using their son as the class's conservative voice against their wishes.

Ballard also reportedly made public remarks questioning the 'suitability and influence' of the student's father, widening the dispute beyond the classroom.