Temecula Valley School Board Holds Special Meeting to Discuss Curriculum Amidst Textbook Controversy
TEMECULA, Calif. (KABC) — The Temecula Valley school board is set to convene a special meeting on Friday to address concerns over its textbooks, as it faces a clash with the state over curriculum choices.
In a statement released by President Dr. Joseph Komrosky, the meeting aims to explore “the potential adoption of curriculum that meets all state and federal mandates.”
This gathering comes just days after the board’s second consecutive vote to reject social studies curriculum featuring mentions of Harvey Milk, a prominent figure in the gay rights movement.
The dispute initially erupted at a meeting last month when the majority of the school board questioned the inclusion of Milk, the first openly gay man to hold public office in California, in supplementary materials for teaching fourth-grade students about civil rights.
The board voiced concerns over reports of Milk’s relationship with a 16-year-old boy when he was in his 30s.
“Instead of pushing filth on children, instead of pushing Harvey Milk on kids, give them the sincere milk of the word of God!” exclaimed activist John Amanchukwu during a recent meeting.
Governor Gavin Newsom has weighed in on the issue, expressing his stance multiple times. He announced that he will be providing the school district with social studies textbooks that align with the state’s requirements. Additionally, Newsom mentioned that the district will be billed for the books and be subject to a $1.5 million fine.
Pastor Tim Thompson of the Church Temecula Valley criticized Newsom’s intervention, claiming it as an act of tyranny. “What we’re hearing from our governor is, ‘I don’t care what the local people want. I’m going to step in and do what I want,'” remarked Thompson.
In response, Komrosky pushed back at Newsom during a recent board meeting, revealing that he has already instructed the superintendent to reject any textbooks that arrive at the district’s shipping and receiving department. “We’ll ship them right back,” he affirmed.
The Temecula Valley school district is not the only one entangled in culture wars. On Thursday night, the Chino Valley school board approved a policy mandating teachers to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender.
Outrage ensued amongst attendees, with one speaker warning against the dangers of outing transgender students prematurely. “School is the only safe space some of these students have, and only about 35% of trans students feel safe at home. So taking away that space will only cause harm to those students,” she expressed.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond also spoke out against the policy but was escorted out of the meeting after exceeding his allotted speaking time.
Chino Valley School Board President Sonja Shaw lashed out at Thurmond, accusing him of proposing measures that pervert children.
Eyewitness News will provide further updates on this story following Friday’s meeting.