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Board delays vote on ethnic studies outline after public comment and trustee questions
Summary
Trustees discussed a semester ethnic studies course outline and heard mixed public comment; the board agreed to postpone a vote until May 12 so all trustees can participate and to allow staff to share additional information and materials with the community.
The Glendora Unified School District board on April 28 discussed a semester ethnic studies course outline developed to comply with AB 101, but postponed a vote until the next regular meeting to ensure full trustee participation and more time for public review.
Staff summarized the course outline and described revisions made after community and committee input. Dr. Prince said the pilot would be a voluntary elective in 2025–26, with one section per semester initially and enrollment capacity of roughly 35 students per semester.
Public commenters at the meeting voiced divergent views: Sam Jones and Kate Hamilton urged the district to adopt the course to expand students’ understanding of diverse experiences; Monnique Duen and Wendy Jary expressed concern the outline mirrors California’s model curriculum and could encourage activism or critical race theory practices, and requested full curriculum materials be released for public review before adoption. Trustee questions focused on timing, scheduling, funding tied to AB 101, and whether the course would remain an elective or become a graduation requirement in future years.
Trustees moved and seconded a motion to place the item on the May 12 agenda for a vote. Board members emphasized transparency, the pilot nature of the course, and that whether it becomes a graduation requirement would be a separate board decision in the future. Staff said they would continue community outreach and provide scheduling and implementation details to sites and families.
Next steps: the board will consider the item for action on May 12; staff will continue public communications and prepare any additional materials requested by trustees.
