Mother Ashley Gordon demands accountability for Union High School's treatment of her sons

The Union Public Schools Board Meeting on July 14, 2025, featured a poignant address from parent Ashley Gordon, who raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of her children within the school system. Gordon, speaking on behalf of her son Aiden, who has type 1 diabetes, detailed a series of alleged failures by the school to provide necessary protections and support. She described incidents where Aiden was denied restroom access and left unaccompanied, despite assurances from school staff.

Gordon also highlighted ongoing bullying her son faced, including racial slurs and threats, which she claimed were inadequately addressed by school officials. She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, stating that her family faced retaliation after filing complaints with the Office for Civil Rights, which found the school in violation of federal regulations.

In a particularly troubling account, Gordon recounted an incident where her younger son, Evan, was suspended for defending Aiden against a group of students. She criticized the disciplinary actions taken against her children, arguing they were disproportionately severe compared to the consequences faced by the aggressors.

Following Gordon's testimony, the board heard from school administration representatives, including Assistant Principal Flora Stoffman, who discussed the policies in place regarding student safety and conduct. Stoffman confirmed that the school prioritizes the safety of students and outlined the procedures for investigating violations of the code of conduct.

The meeting underscored significant concerns about student safety and the administration's handling of bullying and disciplinary actions. Gordon's call for accountability and a review of the school's practices resonated with many attendees, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by families within the district. The board's response and any subsequent actions will be closely watched by the community as they seek to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.