The University School of Nashville (USN) faces growing backlash after allegations surfaced that Dean Masullo, an English teacher and former sponsor of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club, sexually harassed a student. The student, who graduated in 2024, accused Masullo of grooming her by isolating her emotionally and escalating inappropriate physical contact after she turned 18. A letter from the student’s attorney claims Masullo displayed a pattern of inappropriate behavior toward GSA members, attempting to estrange them from their parents and engaging in misconduct.
USN terminated Masullo in July following an investigation, but parents and faculty are demanding more transparency. They criticize the school’s handling of the situation and question why no independent investigation was launched earlier. The school has since hired a law firm to look into additional allegations and asked Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk to further investigate.
USN’s Board of Trustees President, Eric Kopstain, issued an apology, admitting their communications fell short and pledging to reevaluate policies on sexual harassment. The GSA club, which Masullo sponsored for nine years, had promoted LGBTQ+ awareness, but concerns over its role in student isolation and secrecy have been raised by parents across the country.
