Students Stage Walkout Demanding Resignations Of University School Of Nashville Leadership

Image Credit: usn.org & Google Earth

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

In a show of ongoing protest, students at University School of Nashville (USN) have staged a walkout to further express their displeasure with the school’s poor handling of a sexual harassment complaint against now-fired teacher Dean Masullo. 

Masullo was accused of sexually harassing and grooming several students including Gidgie Bass who formally filed the sexual misconduct complaint and hired legal counsel in her quest for accountability.

The school’s investigation has been highly critiqued by Bass’ attorney, Alex Little, Bass herself, and a plethora of other students, parents, and faculty as there was little transparency or action to resolve the issue, coupled with USN’s alleged initial protection of Masullo. 

Though Masullo was fired in July and is now being sued as part of the school’s new investigation, many are still dissatisfied with USN leadership’s mismanagement and resulting actions.

This week, approximately 150 students, plus some parents and faculty, staged a walkout to demand two of the school’s top administrators step down.

The Director of School, Amani Reed, and Assistant Head of School, Quinton Walker, have already faced calls for resignation during a previous set of protests, including a letter signed by more than 250 students, alums, and parents agreeing to withhold donations to the school unless the case was properly handled.

Wednesday, the demands for the resignations of Reed and Walker took center stage at the protest organized by the Student Union for Action, formed in response to Masullo’s firing. 

Students held signs while marching around a school building and several chants were heard including “Reed must leave,” “Protect our kids,” and “Save our school.” The Student Union also took issue with the nearly $30,000 Masullo was paid as part of his separation agreement with the school. “Paying off a predator is not the answer,” said a former student.

After the protest, one father expressed concern that the school administration is keeping him in the dark stating, “It seems to me like each decision they make are bad decisions and have not helped promote a strong community USN is known to have in the past. Had they taken good steps early on to navigate a strong community and make a decision to help bring the community up, they wouldn’t have a protest on their front lawn.”

In response to all protests and critiques, the school has said, “No decisions will be made until the investigation has had the proper time to thoughtfully examine all aspects of this matter.”  

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.