Parent urges board to release draft ethnic‑studies lessons after citing 'Marxist' language

During public comment at the Oct. 14 Glendora Unified Board meeting, parent and committee member Gene Lopez asked trustees to provide the community access to draft ethnic‑studies lessons or at minimum a summary of the draft language. Lopez said vocabulary in the committee's first draft included terms such as "oppressor" and "victim" and expressed concern that some lessons may contain "Marxist remarks." He urged the board to "be exposed to it" so community members could raise objections or suggestions before lessons are finalized.

Why it matters: Curriculum adoption processes, including advisory committee work and public access to draft materials, are matters of public interest. Public commenters may request greater transparency when curriculum content raises concerns.

What was said: Gene Lopez identified himself as a parent and described his role on an ethnic‑studies committee; he said the committee is about to begin a new semester and asked the board and Dr. Prince to make the draft or a summary available for review and critique. "I fear there may be some Marxist remarks in the lessons that are being prepared," he said, citing examples of vocabulary he found troubling.

Response and record: The transcript records the comment and a thank‑you from the board president; no substantive district response or policy change was recorded during the public comment period. Lopez’s statement was not formally disputed during the meeting.

Attribution: Gene Lopez, who identified himself as a parent and member of the committee on ethnic studies, made the remarks; the board took no immediate action on the request during the meeting.

Ending: The board closed public comment and moved on to oral reports. The transcript does not record a follow‑up commitment regarding release of drafts or summaries; community members seeking access should contact district staff for the current curriculum review process and materials.