Superintendent of Glendale, California schools resigns amid violent clashes over LGBTQ curriculum

On Tuesday, Glendale Unified School District superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchain announced that she is retiring after 38 years in public education, effective June 30, after protests turned violent for the second school board meeting in a row over the district's Pride agenda.

Dr. Ekchain said in a school board press release, "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the students, families, and employees of Glendale Unified School District for the past four years." She continued, "Together, we successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, improved health and wellness for students and employees, and expanded dynamic learning opportunities for every child." 

"I know that our Board of Education, school district leadership, educators, and staff will continue the transformative work being done throughout the district and maintain a steadfast focus on preparing all students for success in college, career, and life," She concluded.

In the statement, Board of Education President Nayiri Nahbedian said, "Dr. Ekchain will be greatly missed in Glendale Unified. Her focus on equity and student success has significantly impacted how meets student needs." 

"She has served as a powerful role model for our students and adults alike," she continued. "On behalf of the board, we wish her the best in retirement and look forward to her continued presence in the community." 

Gays Against Groomers (GAG) said in a statement on Twitter, "According to many parents of students in the district, her legacy is ignoring their boundaries and dividing the community by implementing radical ideologies within the curriculum. The backlash of her poor decisions within the USD pressured her to retire early." 

GAG California chapter lead Jen Martinez and Co-Director of Chapters Meg Martinez were in attendance at the meeting and said in a statement to The Post Millennial, "The early 'retirement' of superintendent Vivian Ekchain wasn't just a win for GAG California, its a win for all parents who have been working and fighting for their kids." They continued, "The Armenian community and all those who have shown up have given us nothing but love and gratitude for speaking out with them."

"Us, in GAG California, are proud and honored to stand with them in this victory," they concluded.

Hundreds of people showed up to protest the school board meeting once again on Tuesday. Fights broke between Armenian-American parents and Antifa outside the school board meeting. According to KTLA, Police acted quickly and arrested at least one person involved in the scuffle. 

In a statement, Glendale police said, "Our duty is to safeguard and defend the Constitutional rights of every community member, including creating an environment that enables everyone to exercise their First Amendment rights safely and securely.” 

Glendale Unified School District board meetings made headlines earlier this month as Armenian-American parents demanded transparency over the school's LGBTQ curriculum. Violence broke out as Antifa, Communist, and far-left groups showed up to oppose the parents. 

One Aftifa member arrested at the Jun 9, braw had been previously arrested for "child sex crimes." 

One parent told TPM on Jun 9, "We want our voices to be heard and we want acknowledgment from the superintendent and they are not acknowledging it."  

In May it was reported that a young special needs girl was disciplined for using the wrong pronouns, and was taught LGTBQ sex practices in her health class.