Trustees Debate Proposed Resolution on Film Portrayal of Vietnam War; Motion Fails for Lack of Second
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Summary
Trustee Do introduced a resolution and sample letter urging the Motion Picture Academy to reconsider a film the Vietnamese American community says misrepresents the refugee experience. Trustees were divided over institutional action vs. individual letters; the motion failed to receive a second and did not pass.
A proposed board resolution expressing concern about a film that members of the district’s Vietnamese American community say misrepresents the Vietnam War sparked a heated exchange among trustees on Thursday and did not move forward.
Trustee Do introduced a draft resolution and a sample letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asking the board to voice objections to the film’s portrayal of refugees and veterans. Do framed the request as a defense of culturally relevant pedagogy and the lived trauma of Vietnamese American families in the district: "We want our Vietnamese American students to see their history accurately represented," Do said.
Several trustees expressed sympathy for the community’s concerns but worried the district taking institutional action could be seen as censorship or could unintentionally amplify the film. Trustee Herrera and other board members suggested individual trustees could write personal letters instead; trustee Julio Pardo urged caution and said he feared a board position would be regarded as an official ban. One trustee warned raising the issue publicly could increase the film’s profile.
Procedural outcome: Trustee Do moved to adopt the resolution but the motion failed for lack of a second. The board discussed alternatives — including circulating Do’s draft letter for trustees to sign individually on personal letterhead — and legal counsel advised that district letterhead may only be used if an approved board action authorizes it.
Context: Board members noted prior instances where the board took positions on matters of community concern (Trustee references to prior resolutions on other topics were made during discussion) and emphasized that any official action should be weighed carefully against free‑speech and institutional roles.
No formal vote on a district resolution occurred; trustees encouraged alternate, individual action and suggested continued listening to the Vietnamese American community about educational and historical accuracy.