Huntington’s local school district superintendent Peter Ruby released a statement Sunday, saying Bowman violated board policies by speaking out about personal beliefs, “political and religious topics, and handing out bracelets.”
“While we recognize that there are varying views on this matter, this policy is in place for the purpose of ensuring that all students feel comfortable in the classroom,” Ruby said in a letter to the school community.
Asked what topics were considered for the dismissal of the professor, Ruby told CNN: “there were a lot of topics he spoke to students (religious and political) more than just LGBTQIA+ issues.”
In addressing Bowman’s dismissal, the superintendent said the district does not discipline replacements because they are hired through another entity. “We simply chose not to use those that violate board policies.”
In a March 24 Facebook post, Bowman stated that “the complaint originated from a member of the school board” and that he is “heartbroken” that they chose to fire him.
Bowman added in another post on March 27 that he “technically violated a policy” he was not aware of by handing over the bracelets. He went on to say he has “zero regrets”.
Bowman further told WSYX that he taught at the Huntington Local School District for 30 years, and during his career, nearly 40 alumni and athletes shared their sexual identity with him.
“Huntington is my home. That’s where I got my first job as a teacher. It’s all for me. It just is. I love this community.”
Bowman’s dismissal provoked mixed emotions. Photos shared with WSYX showed that some students wore pride bracelets to class after their dismissal, but other photos show “love is love” signs torn up and thrown in the school’s bathroom.
The superintendent said a rally is planned at the school next Monday (4) to support Bowman. Ruby highlighted that “student-led expression is permitted as long as there is no interruption in the students’ education”.
The next school board meeting will be on April 11, according to the Huntington Local School District website. WSYX reported that students and parents plan to attend the meeting to ask the school board to reconsider its policies.
Source: CNN Brasil
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