Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has accused history teacher Liz Ballard of targeting an eighth-grade pupil because of his conservative views and has called for her dismissal and loss of teaching certificate if the allegations are confirmed. The case has become a wider political dispute, while the teachers’ union says Uthmeier’s account does not accurately reflect the district’s ongoing investigation.

Uthmeier alleges Ballard repeatedly drew the pupil into political debates despite his parents’ objections, portrayed him as the class’s conservative representative, called him a “misogynist” and disparaged his father. He also claims she spread the description at school and breached state law, school policy and professional standards; Sarasota County Schools says it will review the evidence and ensure due process before deciding whether to take action.