FUSD superintendent holds press conference in support of LGBTQ students

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Unified's interim superintendent wants everyone to know his district supports the LGBTQ community. On Wednesday, Bob Nelson held a press conference to announce the district's commitment in supporting all students.

"I want every student, employee family member and member of this community to know all are welcomed and safe in Fresno Unified Schools," said Nelson.

That statement comes after controversial comments made by board President Brooke Ashjian recently when talking about sex education in schools and the LGBTQ community.

"It's absolutely crucial that our board and we as a district chart a centrist path to make sure that all of our students' needs are met...the people's individual to say anything related to personal ideology stops at the school room door," said Nelson.

Fresno LGBTQ President Jason Scott met with Nelson and members of his staff Tuesday night to discuss procedures the district will implement this school year to embrace LGBTQ students and was in attendance Wednesday afternoon.

"They took the first step and reached their hand out to us by contacting us and saying they wanted us to come in and speak to them--so that's the first step in moving past these unfortunate incidents that have been happening," Scott said.

While Nelson would not mention Brooke Ashjian by name or discuss his anti- LGBTQ comments during Wednesday's press conference -- he did say the last few weeks have been a challenge because of the controversy surrounding the board.

"I would be amiss if I didn't express some trepidation tonight," said Nelson. "My job is to make sure, personally, that our students are not caught in the crossfire of really strong feelings by people in our community--that they know they're loved and supported".