School Board Meeting Erupts Over Children’s Book
A contentious moment unfolded during a recent school board meeting when a local resident brought a children’s book to the forefront of discussion, defying the meeting’s agenda and igniting heated debate.
John Amanchukwu, granted time to speak during public comment, presented the board with It Feels Good To Be Yourself, a book intended for young readers aged four to eight. Amanchukwu questioned the inclusion of this book in the curriculum at Bradley Academy and voiced his strong disapproval.
“It’s a book about gender identity,” Amanchukwu explained to the board. “When you open the book, it says, ‘Some people are boys, some people are girls, some people are both, neither are somewhere in between.’ This book is for kids ages four through eight, and that is a lie. It’s only male or female, according to Genesis 1:27.”
Board Chair Butch Campbell swiftly objected, reminding Amanchukwu that the topic was not included on the evening’s agenda and warning him that continued discussion would result in being ruled out of order.
Undeterred, Amanchukwu pressed on, stating, “This book talks about transgenderism. It says, ‘This is Ruthie,’ it says, ‘She’s a transgender girl.’ What four-year-old can spell the word transgender?
He continued, “The book then talks about being cisgender. What boy, what student can spell cisgender?”
Amanchukwu then focused his attention on board member Jimmy Richardson, who was wearing a shirt bearing the slogan, “Ban the Fascists. Save the Books.” Amanchukwu declared, “We want to ban the books that seek to pervert the hearts and minds of children,” before approaching the table and handing the book to Richardson.
Amanchukwu’s statements were met with a resounding chorus of agreement from some attendees. However, another board member expressed concern that Amanchukwu’s actions towards Richardson were threatening, prompting her to call for a brief recess.
The meeting resumed three minutes later with the scheduled agenda items, proceeding without Amanchukwu’s presence.
