I am a GUSD graduate, parent and Glendale resident. For the past year, I have been the target of Jordan Henry and Aneta Krpekyan and their followers.
Both use their platforms on social media, including the “GUSD Parents Voices” group, to accuse me of “attacking” them.
Why? Because I advocate for the inclusion of all students in Glendale’s public schools. I come to most board meetings to sit quietly in support of the rights of LGBTQ+ students, Black students and other historically marginalized groups to thrive in our public schools. I support the rights of teachers to do their jobs effectively.
Thanks to the hatred whipped up by Henry and Krpekyan on social media posts that call me out by name, I have:
- had rainbow flags stolen from my home
- been followed by Mr. Henry to my car after board meetings
- been subscribed to weight-loss newsletters by anonymous online trolls
- had Mr. Shelton call out to me to “stay away from the buffet” at a GUSD board meeting (he taught my children at Keppel. I was not impressed then and am not surprised now.)
- had Henry/Krpekyan supporters sit behind me and antagonize me at board meetings
- had Henry/Krpekyan supporters nearly trip me outside of a board meeting
And it doesn’t end there. Much of their bullying — especially at the recent Council PTA Candidate Forum — is enabled by adults who look the other way. Maybe this is out of fear, or maybe it’s because they secretly enjoy watching the bullies.
Our community deserves better than bullies like Henry and Krpekyan. All kids and community members will be at risk if either of them win. I’m a GUSD alum (K-12) and my kids all go to GUSD schools. I’ve never hesitated to send them to our home schools because I trust the district. Sadly, I won’t be able to safely allow my kids to graduate from GUSD if either Krpekyan or Henry win a seat on the board. They’ve promised to make life hell for anyone they don’t like.
I live in the part of Glendale that is not currently voting in school board races in this election. I strongly encourage my neighbors who live in Area A and Area E to research their ballots, and to understand that the Glendale Teachers Association rigorously vets candidates they endorse. If I could, I would vote for Telly Tse and Neda Farid.
Marisa Gallo
Glendale
First published in the February 24 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
