Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom is intent on strong-arming a local school board into accepting and using a social studies book featuring a gay political activist.
The governor is often mentioned as a leading replacement candidate for the 2024 race for the White House if Democrats decide to put President Joe Biden out to pasture.
Temecula Valley Unified District board members asserted they did not object to the mention of Harvey Milk in the textbook because he was gay. Rather, he admitted to having a relationship with a 16-year-old when he was in his 30s.
Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as the first openly gay man to hold public office in California. He was assassinated in 1978 along with Mayor George Moscone by a disgruntled city supervisor.
The Temecula Valley school board president called Milk a “pedophile,” which brought angry responses from his supporters.
Harvey Milk had sex with underaged boys, encouraging some to run away from their homes to be with him. One boy, Galen McKinley, ran away from home at 16 to be with Harvey, and ended up killing himself.
Gavin Newsom is a monster for idolizing this man. https://t.co/vnSHRTUYNw
— Kristen (@Kriscilicious) July 13, 2023
Dr. Joseph Komrosky added that it was not his orientation that led to his objection to Milk’s life being taught. Rather, he would have the same sentiments for any adult featured in a textbook used in K-5 classrooms.
School board member Danny Gonzalez concurred. “As a father, I find it morally reprehensible to include someone in the content of [kindergarten through fifth grade] curriculum that was a known pedophile.”
Those who defend Milk’s actions say that 16 was the age of consent at that time in several states. Newsom is clearly one of those who approve of Milk’s relationship.
As the governor said in a tweeted video, “A school board in Temecula decided to reject a textbook because it mentioned Harvey Milk. CA is stepping in. We’re going to purchase the book for those students — the same one that hundreds of thousands of kids are already using.”
Newsom added that if the “extremist” school board members don’t comply with his edict, they will be fined.
After Newsom’s social media statement, Komrosky said the message came through loud and clear. He also reported he received his first death threat following the posting.
According to Politico, California Democrats are quietly attempting to push through a bill to fine school districts that do not comply with state standards. In particular, they are pushing “inclusive and diverse perspectives.”
The California School Boards Association opposes the measure.
