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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After very public outcry and backlash from students, faculty, and parents, University School of Nashville (USN) fired Dean Masullo, a literature teacher and Gender and Sexuality Alliance advisor who was accused of sexual harassment and grooming several students.
One student, Gidgie Bass, finally made the issue public and criticized the school’s mishandling of the incident, including their protection of Masullo and disparaging remarks about Bass herself.
Though Masullo was fired in July, USN is now filing a lawsuit against him claiming he is uncooperative in their new investigation, as their previous investigation was condemned by Bass and others for its lack of transparency, failure to follow proper procedure, and openly hostile attitude towards the victimized students.
The school hired investigators from a national business law firm who contacted Masullo to schedule an interview but were rebuffed by Masullo’s lawyers who stated he would not be answering questions, citing what they called a “an alleged pending criminal investigation”.
USN claimed this refusal violates the terms of the separation agreement signed by Masullo and is asking the court to order Masullo’s cooperation, that he repay the three months’ salary he received from the agreement which was in part intended to avoid future litigation, and the repayment of attorney’s fees with interest.
Leadership also issued an apology letter to the community for their mismanagement, referring to student Bass as, “incredibly brave and courageous,” and promised to launch a website with investigation updates, but some are claiming the board’s actions in the new investigation are still incompetent and incorrect.
Alex Little, the attorney who has represented Bass through the entirety of the process stated, “Once the USN Board learned of the payment, they should have told the school community and fired all involved in approving it. They did neither. Even weeks after our letter, the board seems incapable of making hard decisions.”
The board has emphasized that the investigation will continue with or without Masullo’s involvement.
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.
