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In response to the Temecula Unified School Board's decision not to adopt a controversial social studies textbook in May, California Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged the board's decision and threatened it with legislative consequences if it does not reverse course.
The school board, which banned "critical race theory" in December of 2022, detailed how it did not "ban" a book, but instead decided not to adopt a new social studies curriculum, and that an alternative curriculum compliant with state standards is being presented on July 18, 2023. Furthermore, the school board also stated claims by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond that "the school district is slated to begin the school year on August 14, 2023 without enough textbooks for every student" is "categorically false."
Newsom, on the other hand, contends, "radicalized zealots on the school board rejected a textbook used by hundreds of thousands of students and now children will begin the school year without the tools they need to learn."Doubling down against the school board's ability to determine its own curriculum, Newsom said,
"If the school board won't do its job by its next board meeting to ensure kids start the school year with basic materials, the state will deliver the book into the hands of children and their parents — and we'll send the district the bill and fine them for violating state law."Democratic leaders across California joined Newsom in challenging the school board's decision, including Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas).
"The antics of the Temecula Valley Unified School District are intolerable and damaging to its students' opportunities to grow, prosper and succeed," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. "Book bans betray the most basic of California's core values. I hope the members of the school board are able to reflect on their decisions and come to make better decisions for our children's futures."
Comment: More from
Advocate:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will buy students in Temecula a social studies textbook that the school board rejected because the accompanying teachers' materials mentioned gay politician Harvey Milk and that California will fine the district.
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In May, the board for the Temecula Valley Unified School District in Southern California voted to reject a curriculum that included the elementary-school textbook Social Studies Alive! The book itself does not mention Milk, the first out gay public official elected in California, but the supplemental materials for teachers do. They are also available to students in upper grades.
At the time of the vote, the board president called Milk a sexual predator. "My question is, why even mention a pedophile?" Dr. Joseph Komrosky said.
But Milk was not a pedophile. Komrosky was apparently referring to a relationship between Milk and Jack McKinley, which began when Milk was in his early 30s and McKinley was 16. When the two met in New York, the age of consent in that state was 14, and McKinley had turned 18 when the pair moved to California. Komrosky later said he didn't think any relationship between a 33-year-old and a 16-year-old was appropriate, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Newsom was quick to criticize Komrosky, tweeting at the time that the board president's remark about Milk was "an offensive statement from an ignorant person," and California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigation of the district. California requires schools to teach LGBTQ-inclusive history.
UPDATE: From the
Post Millennial:
The Temecula Valley Unified School District's board originally ruled 3-2 against using an updated textbook, Social Studies Alive!, but reversed course after Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened to fine them $1.5 million for failing to adhere to a 2011 California law that requires schools to teach students about LGBTQ historical figures.
According to Fox News, the TVUSD approved the textbook at a meeting on Friday, but asked the interim superintendent to look over parts that deal with gay rights and the legal fight for same-sex marriage in California with the goal of "substituting age appropriate curriculum" that is "consistent with the board's commitment to exclude sexualized topics of instruction from elementary school grade levels" while still adhering to state law.
During the meeting, Board President Joseph Komrosky lamented the fact that the TVUSD was at risk of being sued by the government for not implementing a particular curriculum, but stated that his decision to reconsider the ruling was not made out of fear, but rather just to avoid the burden of a lawsuit. Adoption of the textbook passed unanimously the second time around.
Comment: More from Advocate: UPDATE: From the Post Millennial: