Board member who berated gay teacher about “sexual relations” resigns in shame

Golden West High School
Photo: School Website

A Visalia, California school board member has resigned after making “humiliating, upsetting, and frustrating” comments about “sexual relations” to a gay teacher at Golden West High School.

Christopher Pope announced his resignation on Tuesday, just ahead of the board’s plan to censure him, according to the Vasalia Times Delta. He also apologized to the teacher he insulted, who was present at the meeting.

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“I want to publicly apologize that I have hurt this individual,” he said. “That is not my character. It is time for the board to return to the business, it is what’s best for our kids.”

The board unanimously accepted Pope’s resignation.

The incident in question occurred when the teacher, Ben Cummings, asked the school board to officially recognize Pride Month. He and Pope met to discuss the proposal, and according to Cummings, Pope reacted negatively.

“Mr. Pope made comments about my sexuality that were humiliating, upsetting, and frustrating,” Cummings said.

“At one point, Mr. Pope slammed his hands down on the table and said…

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