Resident asks board to investigate NEA resolution and raises concerns about curriculum and materials

Vic Nichols of Chesapeake used his allotted public-comment time to ask the board to investigate a National Education Association "past resolution" he said he recently received and to clarify whether the NEA materials had been adopted by local teachers. "Last week, I got a copy of the NEA's past resolution from their annual convention. They were private. I am asking that the school board investigate whether or not I am incorrect in this. I'm hoping that I am," Nichols said.

Nichols read from several adopted business items he attributed to the NEA's convention and listed policy positions he said the NEA had adopted, including language characterizing former President Trump as "fascist" in materials defending against what the NEA described as an "embrace of fascism," opposition to efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, support for defending birthright citizenship, support for students organizing against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, distribution of "know your rights" materials in response to a court case he named, and holding LGBTQ+ conferences. He also urged the board not to "use, endorse, or publicize any materials from the ADL," describing the Anti-Defamation League in negative terms.

Nichols said he wanted to ensure teachers are teaching and that classroom instruction continues; he also reiterated a point from a previous public comment about political influence on committees and decision-making. The board's stated practice is to receive public-comment remarks and not engage in dialogue during the meeting; the superintendent's staff may evaluate the concern and provide a response if appropriate.

No board action or response occurred during the meeting; the superintendent's office said staff would evaluate the concern and provide a response if appropriate.