‘My soul is crushed.’ Teacher fired for passing out gay pride bracelets in Ohio school
An openly gay substitute teacher has been fired after he passed out rainbow-colored pride bracelets to students at an Ohio high school.
Jay Bowman, who has taught within the Huntington Local School District since the 1990s, said he is “heartbroken” over the district dismissing him from future substitute teaching opportunities.
“My soul is crushed,” the longtime teacher said.
“And now I’m cut off from them, not to mention from my livelihood as well,” he added. “I am hurt more deeply than I think I’ve ever been.”
He said members of the community had complained about private conversations he had with a student regarding a First Capital Pride rainbow rubber band the teacher wears.
“When approached by students who expressed a certain point of view, I happily slid the band off my arm, offered it (to) the student and explained that First Capital Pride offered support groups for teens who may be struggling, are suicidal, are ostracized and need support,” Bowman said in a Facebook post on Thursday, March 24.
The First Capital Pride Coalition, based out of Chillicothe, Ohio, supports the LGBTQ community by offering community events focusing on inclusion.
Huntington Local School District Superintendent Pete Ruby released a statement on Sunday, March 27, regarding the teacher’s dismissal. Bowman was not named in the statement, but Ruby said the substitute “violated board policies by speaking to students about political and religious topics, as well as distributing bracelets.”
“As a result of his violation of board policies, the district decided his services as a substitute would no longer be utilized,” Ruby stated. “While we recognize there are diverse points of view on this matter, this policy exists for the purpose of ensuring all students feel comfortable in the classroom.”
Bowman said he posted about his firing to raise awareness for equality and fairness. He does not plan on looking into any legal action.
“The main reason I spoke out, however, remains the students…especially the ones overlooked, ostracized & feeling totally alone in their school,” Bowman said. “This includes … but is not exclusive to … LGBTQIA+ students & their allies. These young people deserve to know the entire truth.”
A demonstration was held at on Monday, March 28, at Huntington Local High School, which WSYX reported “stirred up controversy on both sides.”
One TikTok video shared Monday shows students wearing Pride clothing and distributing posters and stickers supporting members of the LGBTQ community.
Ruby said in his statement the school district “has a continuing and firm commitment to support our LGBTQIA+ students, teachers and staff.”
Bowman said he “sincerely appreciate(s)“ Ruby’s statement and has no ill will, but noted the district overreacted in his firing.
“The important thing here is the admin is now on public record as being welcoming to/supporting of both the LGBTQIA+ students & staff of the district,” Bowman added. “This is ALL I wanted to come from this. Real acknowledgment & acceptance of those on the fringes.”
Huntington Local High School is in Chillicothe about 60 miles south of Columbus.
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 9:34 AM with the headline "‘My soul is crushed.’ Teacher fired for passing out gay pride bracelets in Ohio school."