Should elementary school students be reading the book “My Shadow Is Pink” that touches on gender identity at schools? Is it appropriate, and should parents be informed in advance? On the evening of May 21st, a large number of parents, teachers, and community members gathered at a school board meeting in San Diego County, California, filling up the usually empty meeting room.
“My Shadow Is Pink” is a picture book by author Scott Stuart. There are various read-along versions available on YouTube, including in Chinese, and it can also be found on YouTube Kids, a platform aimed at children. The official description of the book states that it is “a beautifully rhymed story that addresses themes of gender identity, self-acceptance, equality, and diversity.”
The book portrays a boy’s monologue: he sees that his father and brother’s shadows are blue, but his shadow is pink, and his pink shadow enjoys girls’ toys and dresses. His father tells him that it’s just a temporary phenomenon and his shadow will turn blue eventually. On the first day of school, students are asked to wear their favorite clothes. The boy chooses to wear a pink skirt. When he arrives at school, he feels that his classmates are looking at him with shock. Feeling dejected, he runs back home. At that moment, his father tells him: “Your shadow is your innermost expression, be yourself.” The father also puts on a pink skirt and goes back to school with him. This time, his classmates accept him.
Encinitas, a coastal city in North County of San Diego County, is a prosperous coastal city with a population of over 60,000. The Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) governs nine public elementary schools, including La Costa Heights Elementary School.
A resident of Encinitas, Carlos Encinas, recently posted a video on social media recounting an incident at his son’s school. His 5th grade, 11-year-old son told him that they read the book “My Shadow Is Pink” in class, and then they were asked to join the kindergarten class to watch a read-along video of the book with their 5-year-old peers. The child mentioned feeling uncomfortable and wanting to opt-out but being hesitant to tell the teacher.
Many elementary schools in the United States have implemented the “KinderBuddy” program, where an older student is paired with a younger student to act as mentors, meeting once or twice a week.
Encinas expressed that he had no prior knowledge that the school would have students read this book. He argued that elementary students trust their “buddies,” viewing the older students as trustworthy figures, and he opposed the school using 5th graders to convey controversial information to kindergartners.
Prior to the school board meeting, parents, community members, and teachers lined up outside the school district’s meeting room for hours. Due to fire safety regulations, only about half of them were allowed inside, while the rest were asked to view the meeting through a live stream outside.
A total of 61 individuals requested to speak, each given two minutes to express their viewpoints.
Several teachers who spoke at the meeting supported the use of the book “My Shadow Is Pink.” Among the parents and community members present, there were both supporters and opponents. Opponents argued that the district was using the book to indoctrinate children and using the KinderBuddy program to influence the kids. They also stated that parents have the right to know what their children are exposed to in school.
Encinas spoke at the school board meeting on the evening of the 21st, stating, “As parents, we have the right to know what our children are exposed to, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like gender identity.” He further mentioned that after he spoke out on social media, “the principal and parents organized a ‘Pink Out Hate’ event. This is disappointing… it’s a direct attempt to invalidate our children’s feelings and intimidate parents who may hold different views.”
Encinas added, “Our children should receive an education that respects family values and parental rights.”
One parent stated, “Shadows have no color,” suggesting that the school should inform parents about the content taught in the classroom.
A young man, soon to become a father, held a sign with “Stop Indoctrinating Our Children” and “Repent and Accept Jesus” at the meeting. He expressed during his speech that reading “My Shadow Is Pink” to kids is “evil indoctrination” and “abominable behavior.”
A woman said, “We, as people, have the right to choose. We will choose to opt-out (of reading this book). If you don’t accept our opt-out, we’ll see you in court!”
A veteran waiting in line before the meeting told Epoch Times that he transferred his child to a church private school four years ago, to support the parents who oppose the school’s indoctrination of children.
Many of the individuals in the front row of the meeting room were teachers from the EUSD, wearing blue jackets imprinted with “Teachers of Encinitas.” According to the website, Teachers of Encinitas is an authorized chapter of the California Teachers Association under the umbrella of the National Education Association.
Several teachers spoke during the meeting. A female teacher mentioned, “California’s inclusivity and non-discrimination laws require public schools to provide inclusive environments for all students… to meet the diversity of students… I am proud to be a teacher in a district with an outstanding school board that supports a fair vision of the world, a district that complies with federal and state laws and supports teachers in achieving this vision.”
A recent graduate from Columbia University who grew up in the area spoke in support of the teachers. She expressed that she wished she had the chance to read the book during her elementary school years.
Many young parents voiced their support for the teachers and the school board members. A young mother mentioned that she had no objections to her child reading the book and participating in related classroom activities. She shared with the audience that during the classroom activity, her child chose to draw their shadow in yellow.
The EUSD school board issued an official response on May 22nd. The translated statement reads, “The Encinitas Union School District prides itself on fostering a sense of belonging and an inclusive atmosphere. Our schools provide a dynamic learning environment that reflects a wide range of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This book was selected to enter the classroom because it encourages students to feel proud of themselves and embrace their individuality.”