Local links

SANTA ANA – Newport-Mesa Unified School District has settled a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of a student who was threatened after appearing in Rent, a play about struggling artists. Rent includes gay characters – some with AIDS. As a result of the settlement, administrators will attend an eight-hour training program focused on harassment and discrimination prevention, and students and teachers at Corona del Mar High School, where the incident occurred, will get two-hour sessions. Read more in the Los Angeles Times.   

 

TEHACHAPI – ADF’s Alliance Alert reports that the city council – in response to information from the Freedom from Religion Foundation – has begun substituting the Pledge of Allegiance for its usual prayer.  

 

MONTCLAIR – Following a resident’s complaint about the graphic nature of pro-life banners, the city council is researching if the city has any legal jurisdiction to remove the images that protest a medical group that performs abortions. Community Development Director Steve Lustro commented, “So long as they are playing by the rules, they’re allowed to be there just like everyone else. They too have First Amendment rights that have to be respected.” Read more in the Daily Bulletin. 

 

TEMECULA – The Temecula Valley Unified School District board voted 4 to 1 to add Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, to the core list of books that may be taught in high school English classes. The lone opponent feared the book, which deals with rape and suicide, would become mandatory, and rape victims and others would be forced to read it. Another board member, who voiced concerns – but voted in favor of the book – said, “Some 14-year-olds are mature enough to handle the topic; others aren’t. The best person to decide that would be the parent.” Board members plan to review later this year the ability of parents to opt out of sensitive lessons and assignments. Read more in the Los Angeles Times.