Dear San Dieguito parents, community members and concerned citizens,

Recently, San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Board Trustee Katrina Young proposed a resolution governing “Board’s Response to Hate Speech." On October 13, 2022, the SDUHSD Board will hold a Special Board Meeting, during which this resolution will be discussed (Item 10L).

Using subterfuge of diversity and school safety, this resolution is nothing but a naked attack on free speech and viewpoint diversity. It is aimed at targeting parents and community members who express opinions and dissent opposing the political orthodoxy of race-based policy making and hijacked diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

By arguing that “free expression can and has resulted in bias-based behavior and expressions at school board meetings,” Trustee Young’s politicized proposal is a direct code of speech regulation. It defines “hate speech” as “[a]ny kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are and/or any characteristic conveying identity, including, but not limited to, religion, ethnicity, nationality, ancestry, race, color, creed, descent, language, economic status, social origin, disability, health status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and/or other gender expression.” The expansive list and subjective nature of protected identities will undoubtedly lead to thought policing and ideological conformity.

Nationwide, systemic attacks on free speech in the name of regulating “hate” have been on the rise, resulting in increased cancel culture incidents and self-censorship. A May 2022 survey by the Future of the First Amendment Project found over 40% of high school students are comfortable voicing disagreement with teachers and peers in the classroom. The 2022 College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and College Pulse found that “63% of students fear reputational damage if they speak their minds.”

We urge you to take prompt action to defend your right to free expression and reject political censorship:

1. Please attend the October 13 Special Board Meeting at 5pm at Mustang Commons at San Dieguito High School Academy (800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024). Sign up to give a public comment opposing Agenda Item 10L and address the Board with your opposition.

2. Contact your SDUHSD board representative via email and let them know you don’t support the speech regulation resolution. Their contact information can be found below:

   • Trustee Maureen “Mo” Muir, President, Trustee Area 1, Maureen.Muir@sduhsd.net

   • Trustee Michael Allman, Vice-President, Trustee Area 4, Michael.Allman@sduhsd.net

   • Trustee Julie Bronstein, Clerk, Trustee Area 5, Julie.Bronstein@sduhsd.net,

   • Trustee Katrina Young, Trustee Area 2, Katrina.Young@sduhsd.net

Thank you in advance!

Californians for Equal Rights Foundation