Large group of speakers come to the defense of Fresno Unified School Board President

Thursday, August 24, 2017
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Even before setting foot inside Fresno Unified headquarters, signs set the tone for Wednesday night's debate.

The comments were in sharp contrast to two weeks ago when the LGBT community criticized Ashjian for his sex Ed comments, insinuating that teaching LGBT in schools could sway a kid to adopt that lifestyle.

"If you are questioning why someone is LGBT then you are not educated. It's not a belief issue, it's a fact issue," said LGBT supporter Chris Jarvis.

Ashjian's supporters disagree-- dozens of conservatives rallied around the Board President, asserting his right to free speech-- wanting more parental control when it comes to teaching Sex Ed.

One Ashjian supporter said, "Schools should not be the ones prompting gay or straight lifestyles."

Another Ashjian supporter said, "He has been crucified for merely voicing his opinion that is his constitutional right."

But fellow trustee Christopher De La Cerda isn't so sure. He called for Ashjian's resignation, arguing that free speech, in this case, led to unfortunate consequences.

"As an educator, our belief system is our own, but it's not the one we impose on others."

Like last time Ashjian was unfazed by the comments. Refusing to step down, but this time, he said he is willing to work with those who supported him on how sex Ed is taught in Fresno Unified classrooms.

"I hope that we can, as Fresno Unified, pass a board by law or a policy to where we can have it to where if they are gonna talk about these sensitive issues the parent knows first."

We also asked Ashjian if all this controversy is going to affect if he decides to re-run next year-- he said it is too early to tell.
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