California Gov. Gavin Newsom promised to use the power of the state to overturn a decision by a local school board to reject a social studies book that taught about a gay political activist.
Newsom released a video of himself promising that the state of California would purchase the social studies books and send them to Temecula, a city in southern California east of Los Angeles.
“A school board in Temecula decided to reject a textbook because it mentioned Harvey Milk. CA is stepping in. We’re going to purchase the book for these students—the same one that hundreds of thousands of kids are already using,” the Democrat tweeted.
“If these extremist school board members won’t do their job, we will — and fine them for their incompetence,” he added.
Temecula Valley Unified District governing board members said they did not object to Milk being included as part of the curriculum because he was gay but because he had admitted to having a relationship with a 16-year-old when he was in his 30s. Defenders of the gay rights activist argue that at the time, 16 years was the age of consent in many states.
Politico reported that Democrats are secretly trying to pass a bill that would fine school districts that rejected curriculum aligned with state standards, including those related to “inclusive and diverse perspectives.”
The bill is opposed by the California School Boards Association.
Opponents of the social study book made their arguments at an event in June.
“As a father, I find it morally reprehensible to include someone in the content of [kindergarten through fifth grade] curriculum that was a known pedophile,” said Temecula Valley School Board member Danny Gonzalez.
“I would express the same sentiments at any adult being offered as an example in K through 5 textbooks had admitted to a sexual relationship with a minor, that is the source of my objection to his example,” said Temecula Valley School Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky, “not his sexual orientation.”
Komrosky also responded to Newsom’s statement and claimed that he had received a threat as a result.
“Governor Newsom, I’m glad that I have your attention,” Komrosky said, according to KTLA-TV. “Now you have mine, as I received my first death threat after your tweet.”
Here’s more about the Temecula book debate:
Temecula book ban debate continueswww.youtube.com
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