The Temecula Valley Unified School Board voted to reject a Social Studies textbook last month, potentially leaving 11,000 elementary school students without subject material for next year. But it was a comment made by Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky just before the vote that is making headlines.
The main point of contention over the textbook was its mention of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official and a pioneer for LGBT rights.
“My question is, why even mention a pedophile?” Komrosky asked, referring to Milk.
He was apparently referring to a romantic relationship between Milk and Jack Galen McKinley, described by biographer Randy Shilts in his book, “The Mayor of Castro Street.” According to Shilts, McKinley was 16 when the relationship started.
Komrosky’s use of the term “pedophile” sparked immediate outrage and drew a reaction from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“An offensive statement from an ignorant person. This isn’t Texas or Florida. In the Golden State, our kids have the freedom to learn,” Newsom tweeted. “Congrats Mr. Komrosky you have our attention. Stay tuned.”
Earlier this month, the governor – along with Attorney General Rob Bonta and Superintendent Tony Thurmond – warned of potential legal action against any school district that bans books because of material it disagrees with.
Temecula Valley trustees might want to call a lawyer.