Modesto school board candidate's words protested

A school board candidate's conservative view about homosexuality was the focal point for two opposing groups who waved picket and campaign signs Saturday afternoon during a demonstration at Modesto's Five Points intersection.

About a dozen people gathered there to protest against Modesto City Schools board candidate Mylinda Mason, who on Facebook angrily denounced people she believes tore down her campaign signs.

In her Facebook posts, Mason called those who damaged her signs "homosexuals and other liberals." She also wrote: "Militant homosexual groups and pro abortion activists have engaged in this type of behavior for decades, only now attacks are getting even more brazen."

Sarah Ciccarelli helped organize the protesters who oppose Mason's campaign. She said Mason will breed intolerance at the school district if she's elected.

"I do not approve of anyone defacing (campaign) signs," said Ciccarelli, 20, of Modesto. "But I don't know why she brought up her beliefs anyway. These beliefs do not belong on a school board."

Mason said she heard about the planned protest and gathered about 30 supporters to counter their demonstration with one of her own at the same intersection.

"I'm not a homophobe," Mason said while holding one of her campaign signs. "I don't hate them one bit."

Mason said she hates that schools would introduce any type of sexuality discussion, including homosexuality, into curriculum.

The candidate is referring to a new state law that requires schools to include the historical contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as well as people with disabilities. Beginning Jan. 1, schools must include these contributions in social science instruction.

"This is about that they want to shut me up," Mason said while pointing to a large campaign sign that was spraypainted with "she hates gays."

Ciccarelli said her group originally had planned to march along the street where Mason lives, but they decided Five Points would offer more visibility. She said the new state law helps ensure students learn about people of all backgrounds and fosters tolerance for those who are different.

"So they're not afraid of it," Ciccarelli said. "So students won't get bullied because they're homosexual."

The protest lasted a few hours with no confrontations. At one point, some demonstrators from each side held their signs on the same corner of the intersection.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or (209)578-2394.