Peoria Unified School District had another circus of a board meeting this week. We think it deserves statewide attention and published a full rundown here of what we saw. The highlights: - At least five Turning Point USA adherents—many from outside the district—showed to complain about the board’s decision not to institute a trans bathroom ban.
- Christian nationalist board members Rebecca Hill and Heather Rooks again promised to vote against funding the district as retaliation for the decision.
- Member Hill opened by quoting a particularly violent Bible verse
- Member Hill suggested that creationism should be taught as part of the district’s science curriculum. (A staff member reminded her that they have to follow state standards, which don’t include creationism.)
- Hill claimed “science doesn’t generally change all that much,” prompting an eruption of laughter from the audience.
- Overheard in the audience: “Am I at a school board meeting or a church sermon? Are they always like this?”
- The first student to speak acknowledged that by dehumanizing trans kids, people put a target on their backs, and called to honor everyone’s humanity.
- Board Member Sorensen made a thoughtful and lovely remark criticizing the “culture war” and called for a return to trusting people and processes.
All this may sound overwhelming, but the good news is we can still easily outnumber the Christian nationalists in the gallery if we show up. If you think you can and live in the district, let us know by getting on our volunteer signup sheet. The next PUSD meeting is 6pm June 8th 6330 West Thunderbird Road, Glendale, Arizona. Board member info can be found in the righthand column here. |
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