10/23/2024

ASHLAND - The Ashland School Board has asked Superintendent Rob Prater to retain an outside consultant to help tackle the issue of anti-gay bullying in the district. The board asked Preter to visit every school building to make sure teachers and staff are empowered to address inappropriate comments and bullying. The request follows the resignation of ninth grade English teacher Philip Brede. In a letter earlier in the month, Brede cited the anti-gay treatment he’s received from some of his students, and from some of the administration. He says he’s asked for staff training and inclusive curriculum numerous times to no avail. After students were disciplined for his treatment, the district launched a title IX investigation, but it hasn’t moved forward since he opted to resign. Brede is not the only person in the district who has suffered from bullying, and Jake Levings, the school district’s equity coordinator has said the request is not for special treatment but simply for decency.