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Glendora parents voice split views on ethnic studies outline as board reviews curriculum
Summary
Three public commenters offered divergent views on a draft ethnic studies course: a committee member sought transparency and board review, a parent urged adoption for its benefits, and another parent objected to identity-driven content and said it reflected CRT.
Three community members addressed the Glendora Unified School District board during public comment on Feb. 24, 2025, offering sharply different perspectives on an ethnic studies course outline posted online.
Wendy Jarvey, a member of the district’s ethnic studies community committee, told trustees she was relieved the outline had been posted but said the committee had not given public notice of its meetings and that the published timeline did not list a board review. "My understanding is that that is for to advise the board," she said, and she questioned whether the district is treating the course as a UC Office of the President-reviewed Type 3 course rather than a locally developed Type 4 that would allow board presentation and public feedback.
Krista Granger, who identified herself as a parent with children and extended family who graduated from Glendora High School, urged the board to offer the course regardless of the AB 101 process. "The course is thoughtful and helps students learn different historical facts about various cultures and ethnic groups," she said, adding she expects benefits for student identity and relationships.
By contrast, Sarah Baron told trustees she and other parents object to the course’s first two units, which she said focus on identity and intersectionality and amount to critical race theory. "This is unacceptable to Glendora parents," she said, and predicted Trustee Garcia would oppose the curriculum based on campaign promises.
Board response: Trustees thanked speakers and described the program as a pilot. Trustee Garcia said she trusts teachers and administrators to vet the curriculum, and other trustees encouraged community feedback and noted the board will review implementation details before classroom rollout.
Why it matters: The board is weighing a new ethnic studies pilot amid state requirements and local debate over scope and governance. Commenters raised process issues (meeting notice and whether the board will review materials) and substantive concerns about framing and grade-level placement.
What’s next: Trustees said the curriculum is posted online for public input and that pilots and further board review will inform eventual classroom use.
