Board disavows public comment accusing student clubs of promoting explicit material and 'race obsession'

The South Fayette Township SD board read and publicly disavowed a written public comment at its Sept. 23 meeting that accused two student clubs of promoting "explicit" material and supporting "racist ideology." Dr. Miller read a statement noting the board had received the comment and that the board "disavows the contents of the comment as it is replete with gross inaccuracies and misinformation and is disparaging to our students, faculty, and staff." He referenced district Policy 256 as the guiding standard for providing a positive, inclusive educational environment and for prohibiting intimidation in school activities.

A comment submitted by Spencer Chawler of 1152 Shray Lane was read into the record by Mrs. Vasilani. The submission named two groups at the middle school, identified one as the "South Fayette Gender [redacted in transcript] Alliance" and referenced another group described by the author as supporting "DEI." The author wrote that the clubs "should not promote anything [explicit] in nature with school age children" and characterized DEI-related activity as "favoring one group of people over another based on skin color," asking the board "Please do not allow racist groups for our kids. We should model color blindness for our students, not encourage race obsession."

Board and district officials cautioned that the district will follow Policy 256 and that the board rejected the accuracy and tone of the submission. The transcript records the board's disavowal but does not record further board action, a disciplinary matter or any policy change resulting from the comment during the meeting. The district's practice, as stated in the meeting, is to receive public comment but not respond in-session; the board said it will continue to follow Policy 256.