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Board hearing on changes to policy 1312.2 erupts over library books; meeting briefly recessed
Summary
Public speakers urged the board to table changes to board policy 1312.2 they say would limit community ability to challenge instructional materials; a commenter attempted to read explicit passages from books, prompting a five-minute recess and a counsel'led reminder about First Amendment protections and meeting decorum.
Community members urged the Pomona Unified board to delay or reject proposed revisions to board policy 1312.2, saying the changes would make it harder for parents and community members to challenge instructional materials in schools and libraries.
"If these materials are truly appropriate for children, why should parents and community members have fewer opportunities to challenge them?" said one speaker who identified herself as Pawn during public comment and submitted examples she said were inappropriate, including the series Assassination Classroom and a book titled Let's Talk About It.
Another speaker attempted to read explicit passages from the materials into the public record. The president and legal counsel warned the audience about disruptive conduct and the meeting recessed for five minutes. On reconvening, district counsel reminded attendees of the First Amendment and the board's authority to impose reasonable time and manner restrictions: "Under the First Amendment, we cannot change or limit content, but we can put on manner and time restrictions," counsel said.
Board staff said the proposed policy is a procedural update but community members argued it contains substantive changes that could restrict who may file complaints and the ability to seek review. The board did not take immediate action to adopt the policy during the meeting; public comment on the item continued under the meeting rules.
The board asked staff to ensure materials submitted by speakers are made part of the public record and asked for clarity about the proposed revisions and their operational effect on complaint procedures.
