School District Investigating Palos Verdes High Yearbook Page

PALOS VERDES, CA — The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District is investigating the facts and circumstances of the publication of a controversial article in Palos Verdes High School's 2024 yearbook.

After more than three hours of public comments that took place at the June 4 School Board meeting, Superintendent Devin Serrano said she has spent a considerable amount of time meeting with families and students to hear their thoughts on the best ways to move forward.

"Responding to these concerns has required balance, as the district has aimed to minimize disruption to finals week, graduation, and end-of-the-year activities for students," PVPUSD officials said in a statement. "The district is investigating the facts and circumstances of the

publication and evaluating its policies on student journalism."

The editorial entitled "Whose land is it anyway?" was printed on one page of the yearbook and addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Parents and alumni of PVPUSD expressed outrage at the article's inclusion in the yearbook, contending it was antisemitic and caused emotional distress to students.

See related: Palos Verdes High Yearbook Page About War In Gaza Sparks Outrage

Serrano said she has read every email she has received about the subject and expressed empathy and heartache for students, families and community members who have felt hurt or anger due to the student piece published in the yearbook.

The school board said they will continue to take concerns with student safety, antisemitism, student speech rights and any form of discrimination seriously.

"The diversity of our schools and integrity of our district’s education is valuable, and we must continue to bring our students together. The board is committed to learning and growing," officials said.