Temecula Valley Unified School District’s decision to block critical race theory instruction in its classrooms will continue for now, as a Riverside County Superior Court judge ruled on Friday.

A group of parents, students, and teachers had sought a preliminary injunction to block the school board’s policy that prohibited teaching critical race theory – an examination of how racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions.

The request for an injunction came as part of a lawsuit filed against the district in August, alleging the conservative board’s ban on the curriculum was vague and violated the California Constitution’s guarantee of a “fundamental right” to an education equivalent to that provided elsewhere in the state.

Attorney Amanda Mangaser Savage, representing the parents, teachers, and students, argued that the policy had caused confusion among teachers regarding classroom discussions.

On Friday, Judge Eric Keen denied the preliminary injunction request, stating that the board’s resolution outlines specific elements of critical race theory that are prohibited from being taught. Keen emphasized that instruction on critical race theory is limited to a subordinate role within a larger framework, focusing on the curriculum’s flaws.

“It is clear that a person of ordinary intelligence would have a reasonable opportunity to know what is prohibited, as it is specifically outlined in the resolution,” Keen wrote in his eight-page ruling.

Keen also addressed a controversial parental notification policy within the district, which mandates staff to inform parents of a child’s request to be identified using a different gender or name. He noted that the policy applies equally to all students, is gender-neutral, and does not single out specific groups.

Mangaser Savage expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that students are receiving education tainted by the board’s censorship and racial biases. The group plans to appeal the decision as the lawsuit continues.

“Right now, students are sitting in classrooms receiving education tainted by the board’s censorship, anti-LGBTQ, and racial biases,” she said.

A representative for the Temecula Valley Unified School District was not immediately available for comment on Friday.

The controversy began in December 2022 when the conservative majority on the school board passed a resolution prohibiting the instruction of critical race theory, a topic that has sparked debate on racism discussions. The district’s resolution aims to uplift and unite students without burdening them with historical transgressions.

Notably, the district made headlines in July when it rejected proposed instructional material mentioning Harvey Milk, a prominent figure in LGBTQ history.

During a board meeting, board President Joseph Komrosky referred to Milk as a “pedophile,” leading to criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom, who labeled Komrosky as ignorant.

Newsom later threatened to fine the district $1.5 million for rejecting compliant textbooks, stating that the state would provide the books regardless.

In August, the district faced further scrutiny for approving a transgender notification policy, raising concerns among supporters and critics regarding parental rights and student safety.

“It’s troubling that Temecula is now grouped with jurisdictions where politics dictate classroom access,” Mangaser Savage remarked.