Gilbert Police Clear Teacher in Reading Assignment Probe Despite Parental Outcry

GILBERT, Ariz. — The Gilbert Police Department has finalized its investigation into Brittany O’Neill, an English teacher at Williams Field High School. The scrutiny arose following a reading assignment in her Multicultural Literature course, which ignited significant controversy among parents.

O’Neill reported experiencing severe backlash, stating during a Higley Unified School District board meeting that some parents accused her of distributing child pornography. This reaction was based solely on the literature she was teaching. One parent even allegedly threatened her employment and legal action.

“This parent had contacted other parents trying to instigate an investigation, spreading misinformation about my course to harm my reputation,” O’Neill claimed.

The investigation by the Gilbert Police indicated a lack of probable cause for any criminal charges. However, the matter doesn’t end there. A spokesperson confirmed that files would be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Education for further evaluation regarding possible violations of state statutes.

One parent, Charles Villafranca, voiced his concerns at the board meeting, mentioning that his son was enrolled in O’Neill’s class. He claimed that the assigned book, “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi, contained sexually explicit material and that he did not receive a permission slip for his child’s participation.

“I am not here to ban books. I am here to ensure that, as a parent, I have rights under the law,” Villafranca stated.

The novel, which is a bestselling historical fiction piece, follows the intertwined stories of two sisters and their descendants across generations. Concerns have been raised about the novel’s content in the educational context, given a statute that mandates parental consent for the distribution of sexually explicit materials in public schools.

As the legal examination continues, the community remains engaged in discussions about educational boundaries and parental rights in the context of school curricula.