FRESNO (KMJ) — Members of Fresno Unified School District’s Board of Education say free speech is allowed, but remind its President that his position has a responsibility.
The discussion during Wednesday evening’s meeting saw trustees again weigh in on the issue which has surrounded Brooke Ashjian for months, after comments published in the Fresno Bee revealed his concern that the teaching of LGBTQ issues could sway a child towards a particular sexuality.
Since then, Ashjian has repeatedly rejected calls to resign as Board President (click here to read more).
“I don’t think anyone else on the board, myself included, agreed with Trustee Ashjian’s comments,” said fellow Trustee Carol Mills.
“I won’t speak for them, but I will speak for myself. I don’t agree with them, I have said that before. I wish he had not made them. But he did not give up his First Amendment right when he became a board member. None of us did.”
Mills cited by-laws which state that individual board members have the right to express their personal views, and a second policy requiring board members to recognize and respect the different perspectives.
“No one board member has the power to change anything, that only happens when the board vote from the majority.”
Christopher De La Cerda followed, agreeing with the right to freedom of expression but stating that Ashjian has a responsibility to uphold.
“We also have other policies. Our Board policy that directly addresses our Board President and his authority and his position.
“When speaking for the district the Board encourages the spokesperson, in this case the Board President, to exercise restraint and tact and to communicate the message in a matter that promotes public confidence in the board’s leadership.”
Ashjian, who was present for the entire discussion, told KMJ News in a statement that free speech prevailed and the Constitution is strong in the Central Valley.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
