Public commenters urge stronger AI safeguards and denounce curriculum that 'others' LGBTQ students

Multiple public commenters at the June 9 Peninsula School District meeting urged the board to strengthen district policies on both artificial intelligence and outsourced curriculum.

Sarah Garriott presented draft resolution language intended to augment the district’s AI model policy, saying it should include stronger protections for students and families. “Both the Moms for Liberty policy and our current district policy stress that AI should augment and not replace teachers,” Garriott said, urging adoption of parental opt-in requirements, limits on profiling and prohibitions on automated discipline.

Other public comments focused on student supports and the content of outside vendors. Jackie Pinkerton, who holds a master’s degree in social work, asked district leaders to publicly reaffirm support for LGBTQ students, treat vandalism of LGBTQ signage as hate speech and prioritize mental-health staffing. Jessica Gordon, a Swiftwater parent, criticized Lifewise Academy—identified in her remarks as a Christian-affiliated program used in some settings—and said materials she described promoted exclusion of children with same-sex parents. “We say no to hate,” Gordon said, and asked the board to change district policy to bar groups she described as promoting discrimination.

Board members listened during public comment; the chair thanked each speaker. The speakers framed their remarks as requests for policy changes and stronger district communications. The board did not take immediate action on the specific resolution language or policy changes during the meeting; items raised during public comment will need to be referred for staff review or future agenda placement if the board elects to pursue them.