Lemon Grove board reaffirms commitment to equity, marks 95th anniversary of 1931 case

The Lemon Grove School District Board of Trustees on March 10 adopted a resolution recommitting the district to equity, diversity and inclusion and commemorating the 1931 Lemon Grove incident that led to the Roberto Alvarez v. Board of Trustees desegregation case.

Superintendent Vincent presented the resolution noting the district first adopted a similar statement in January 2021 and that March 2026 marks the 95th anniversary of the event. Sarah Ortuno, an assistant principal and descendant of families involved in the 1931 case, told the board the history ‘‘reminds us that ordinary families can make extraordinary contributions toward justice.’’

Trustees praised the move and discussed possible enhancements. Trustee Ayala suggested incorporating additions to address ‘‘digital equity’’ and a prior board resolution on artificial intelligence; Chair Doctor Yellen moved approval with guidance to integrate language about improving access to technology and digital literacy. Trustee Preciado and Trustee Tortoriello expressed support for maintaining the historical emphasis while broadening the resolution’s contemporary reach.

The motion to adopt the resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Board staff said they would return revised language that references the 1931 incident, reaffirms the district’s educational commitments and adds suggested language on digital access.

The resolution was presented as an informational-and-action item; board members took the photo with legacy family members before concluding the item. No formal amendments to the adopted text were recorded at the meeting; the board requested staff incorporate additional ‘‘whereas’’ language and return the updated text for administrative handling.