A California school district that had rejected a state-approved social studies curriculum that included an LGBTQ+ figure, has reversed its decision following a threat by the governor of California to fine the district $1.5 million.
On Wednesday, the Temecula Unified School District board voted 3-2 to reject the curriculum, which included the LGBTQ+ leader Harvey Milk, citing allegations that Milk was involved in a romantic relationship with a minor when he was elected to public office.
However, on Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the decision by threatening the district with a fine, stating that the state would purchase the rejected books for parents in the district.
Newsom also accused the school board of incompetence and announced that an investigation would be launched into the board's decision.
In an emergency meeting held on Friday, the school board voted to adopt the curriculum, reversing its earlier decision.
Newsom welcomed the decision, saying that students would now have access to the materials needed to learn.
He also stated that the board would be held accountable for its decision.
The debate in Temecula is not about local control, but about a national ideological crusade that seeks to silence diverse communities and erase their history, according to Newsom.
However, on Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the decision by threatening the district with a fine, stating that the state would purchase the rejected books for parents in the district.
Newsom also accused the school board of incompetence and announced that an investigation would be launched into the board's decision.
In an emergency meeting held on Friday, the school board voted to adopt the curriculum, reversing its earlier decision.
Newsom welcomed the decision, saying that students would now have access to the materials needed to learn.
He also stated that the board would be held accountable for its decision.
The debate in Temecula is not about local control, but about a national ideological crusade that seeks to silence diverse communities and erase their history, according to Newsom.