FRESNO (KMJ) — Facing a demand to quit his position, the President of Fresno Unified’s Board of Education fires back at his critics with one word: “no.”
The response came Friday morning after a week of angry words directed at Brooke Ashjian following comments published in the Fresno Bee, appearing to depict his concern that teaching LGBT issues as part of sex education would lead to a child being swayed towards a particular sexuality.
The issue came to a head during a Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening (click here to read more). During that gathering, fellow trustee Valerie Davis attempted to apologize to the crowd if they felt marginalized or offended. In a statement, she writes that “it’s unfortunate that his comments have resulted in such a distraction from the important work all our staff is doing to welcome our 74,000 students back to school on Monday ready to learn, and complete the selection of a permanent superintendent.
“In term of a resignation demand that is a matter that Trustee Ashjian will need to address.”
There is also a Change.org petition requesting Ashjian be removed from his position (click here).
The Human Rights Campaign, described as the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group, is the latest to get involved in the uproar.
“Brooke Ashjian’s ignorant and disturbing comments disparage all LGBTQ students and families, and make him unfit to lead the Fresno Unified School District,” writes its President Chad Griffin.
“The role of any school administrator is to treat all children with respect and dignity. Ashjian has failed in that responsibility woefully.”
Brooke Ashjian rejected that request outright in one word: “no.”
Speaking to KMJ News in response to the Human Rights Campaign’s demand, he says his voting record proves his thoughts do not impact his actions.
“One: I voted for safe schools. No bullying and all kids in a safe zone while on Fresno Unified School District premises.
“Two: I voted for the current sex-ed curriculum two years ago. I voted yes for that.
“Three: I voted for five new psychologists this year. The budget had one – I increased it to five specifically to address the LGBTQ 40% suicide rate. Then I had our psychologists adopt the new state standards in the school districts addressing suicide.
“Four: I voted for $1 million for African American kids to succeed and finally fix this education gap which has been going on for 11-plus years where these kids have been sliding into nowhere. No more will they be left behind.
“Tell me again why the left wants to come after me? My personal beliefs have never ever drifted into helping all kids.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
