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Resident urges district to require Orwell, raises concerns about inclusivity policies
Summary
A resident asked the board to require George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm for upperclassmen and delivered a lengthy public comment criticizing how "inclusivity" is applied and referencing HB 1259.
A Sioux Falls resident used the board's public-comment period on April 14 to call for a district reading requirement and to criticize local and national applications of "inclusivity." Chad Bishop, introduced by the board as a resident of 7405 South Valencia Drive, asked the board to make George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm required reading for juniors and seniors.
Bishop framed his remarks around the word "inclusivity," saying it "has been used in ways that are both deceptive and dangerous." He cited incidents in Deerfield, Illinois, and Loudoun County, Virginia, and argued those examples show policy failures. Bishop said, "If your policy results in the fear or humiliation or violation of even 1 girl then it's not inclusive, it's abusive." He also told the board, "I have 3 daughters that I have entrusted to the Sioux Falls school district," and described more than a decade of volunteer service in district schools.
Bishop referenced state action, saying, "Perhaps that's why the legislature felt the need to step in and pass HB 1259 this past session and why the governor signed it into law." The remarks were presented during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the board did not take formal action on Bishop's requests during the meeting.
The board then continued with its agenda and proceeded to the consent and business items. Bishop's comments were recorded on the public record and will be included in the minutes for the meeting.
