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Board tables social-studies elective after trustees raise bias concerns about materials
Summary
Trustees questioned proposed social-studies elective that includes modules on modern conflicts, saying listed sources appear biased on topics including Israel–Hamas; the board reached consensus to table the elective and invited the course author for further explanation.
A proposed social‑studies elective focused on modern global conflict was tabled after multiple trustees expressed concerns that the listed course materials and units did not present an equal or unbiased perspective.
A board member who reviewed the committee materials said, "I have some deep concerns because it's not unbiased," citing specific units listed under Israel–Hamas and other conflicts and arguing the resources could lead to an imbalanced presentation for 10th to 12th graders. The trustee referenced prior district work with Holocaust materials as context for sensitivity around curriculum choices.
Trustees discussed whether to delay a decision for further review and whether to invite the course author for a Q&A. Chair said he would reach out to the author, and the board agreed by consensus to table agenda item 7.8 until additional information and an opportunity to ask the author questions are available.
No formal vote was recorded; the clerk noted the item was tabled by consensus. The administration said the course author (Mr. Whitman) could be asked to attend a committee meeting or a full board meeting to explain curriculum choices and sources.
