Image Credit: University School of Nashville (USN/PDS) / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After receiving criticism for allegedly mishandling a sexual misconduct case, University School of Nashville (USN) and its director Amani Reed have now come under fire from numerous faculty members, parents, and students, even sparking a petition.
Reed, along with Quinton Walker, USN’s assistant head of the school, received a letter co-signed by twenty teachers who aimed to, “express our concern regarding the administration’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations by Gidgie Bass ‘24 against Dean Masullo.”
Within the letter, one specific issue faculty mention is the school’s decision to portray legal counsel from the attorney hired to represent the school’s interests as a “third-party investigation” in official communications.
The student-led petition aims to confirm the actions taken by the faculty and urges the USN board to hire a third-party investigator. It has gained 595 signatures thus far and includes the letters to the USN board from the faculty and Alex Little, student Gidgie Bass’ attorney.
Both the letter and petition were dated September 10th, the same day the board of trustees supposedly defended the administration in a letter to the school community dismissing concerns over the school’s handling of the situation.
Jeff Edmonds, listed as USN’s assistant head of high school for academic affairs, described his experience navigating Bass’ conversations with the attorneys representing the school, stating, “In my opinion the school acted mostly out of fear, which is understandable if not admirable.”
He also notes that Bass and her peers were constantly in the dark regarding the investigation and reaffirms the allegations that members of the USN administration initially defended Masullo’s behavior and even implied that Bass was purporting the accusations for financial gain.
As a result, last week the Board of Trustees announced the school would create a new task force and engage additional legal counsel, including Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk, to review the situation from different perspectives.
Eric Kopstain, President of the board, states of the school’s damage control attempts, “We apologize that our prior communications have disappointed so many of you. We regret that our communications and actions have not adequately addressed your concerns. We seek to continue to listen and take to heart any and all feedback. We will keep you informed about this work when we have new facts to share, hold forums for conversations, and report recommendations to the USN community.”
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
