Two speakers urge Petaluma schools to remove 'Poet X' from curriculum; board did not take immediate action

During public comment the board heard two speakers who said a piece of literature assigned in district English classes — referenced by commenters as "Poem X" or "Poet X" — is inappropriate for students and requested its removal.

Adina, who identified herself as a victim advocate, told the board she found the text "full on indoctrination" and said it offends Christians who believe in Jesus Christ. She linked the book to broader concerns about children's welfare and said she had previously emailed the board and been involved in local advocacy. "If you do not remove that book from your curriculum, we will have a problem," Adina said during public comment.

Maria Posey told trustees she researched excerpts online and called passages "disturbing," asking why the text was allowed in English classes and saying some parents had already chosen homeschooling in response. Posey said she found the matter on social media and urged the board to reconsider the book's inclusion.

Board members thanked the speakers and did not announce any immediate curriculum action during the meeting. Staff did not provide a substantive response on the record in that segment; trustees said the board would take public comment under advisement.

Next steps: The board did not vote on curriculum removal at this meeting. Curriculum staff or the appropriate district office would need to review course materials and return any proposed changes as an agenda item for future consideration.