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Public commenter warns RUSD about training lawsuit and calls for policy review
Summary
A public commenter told the Riverside Unified board on Nov. 20 that a federal lawsuit in Encinitas challenges state training materials and urged the district to review its non‑harassment policy; Superintendent Yamas replied that the issue involves federal as well as state law.
At the Nov. 20 Riverside Unified Board meeting a public commenter, identified in the record as Sandy Art, warned trustees that litigation in Encinitas challenges state training materials and said districts should review policies that, the commenter alleged, compel speech.
Sandy Art said outside training material (referred to in the public comment as a "prism" training site) had required teachers to take an oath to follow certain policies that may conflict with personal religious beliefs and asserted the pending judicial decision would require policy changes, including to a district non‑harassment policy referenced by number.
When asked from the dais whether the commenter meant "follow state law," Superintendent Yamas responded, "It's federal law too," noting that the matter involves state and federal legal considerations. The board did not take further action during the meeting; the comment was recorded as public input rather than a staff agenda item.
Because the comment referenced pending litigation, district staff did not present formal legal analysis in the meeting. The transcript records the comment and the superintendent's reply but contains no staff report changing district policy on the subject.
