New York school board flees meeting after parents protest sexually explicit book

A New York school district is being blasted after its school board walked out of a meeting where parents were protesting the use of a sexually explicit book in schools.

The board of the Penfield Central School District outside Rochester faced intense criticism from parents after it was revealed that elementary students were being exposed to The Rainbow Parade, a book about a lesbian couple bringing their child to a pride parade.

The book contains illustrations showing naked men from behind and men in bondage gear, as well as other explicit images and descriptions.

“If you think that that’s appropriate for children to see, then there’s something wrong with you,” John Feathers, a father, told WHEC TV outside Tuesday’s meeting, which was prematurely adjourned. “You need to have a mental evaluation. There’s no reason that should be in the schools whatsoever at all. 

“You can see the guy’s butt is clearly out,” he continued, referencing a drawing in the book. “And then if you go over on this side of the picture, there’s two guys standing in bondage right there.” 

Angry parents shouted out as board President Dr. Emily Roberts told the packed room that the way to object to a book was to file a written protest and that those who couldn’t follow that policy would “be removed.” 

But it was the board that left its own meeting. 

“We are here at our board meeting conducting our business,” Roberts said in a video posted on X by LibsofTikTok, before calling for a motion to adjourn. 

“It’s our board meeting,” a patron said in response as others booed. 

“Chickens,” said another woman. 

The suburban district of about 4,600 students bills itself as “one of the top school districts in Monroe County,” with strong academics and an “outstanding educational program” that focuses “on the whole student,” according to its website. It also embraces “equity and inclusion” by “welcoming all cultural identities, orientations, and abilities. 

“We foster a culture where ALL feel safe, seen, heard, and represented. We are committed to Educational Equity.” 

Last year, a “genderfluid” drag queen ran unsuccessfully for school board.