Franklin-McKinley School District trustees publicly admonished Trustee Marc Cooper on Sept. 22, voting 4-1 to rebuke him. The board cited Cooper's discrimination against Muslims and his incorrect statement that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled America is a Christian nation. As part of the resolution, trustees also reaffirmed their commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination, with Cooper casting the sole dissenting vote.
The board’s action came in response to Cooper’s statements and actions at a Sept. 8 board meeting. During that meeting, Cooper presented Bible literature to each board member and the superintendent, along with a list of individuals killed on 9/11. Cooper stated, in reference to 9/11, that it was the "25th year of remembrance of the bombing of the Twin Towers by the cowardly, radical Muslims, where almost 3,000 people were killed." He also noted his lapel pin, an American flag on top of a cross, and asserted that the Supreme Court had three times ruled America a Christian nation.
Following these actions, the board sent a letter to the school community on Sept. 11. The letter stated that by making these views known and undertaking these actions during a board meeting, Mr. Cooper "disregarded the views of others, made misleading claims about the law." It further clarified that his actions created an impression of board condonement, which the board does not support. The letter emphasized the district’s board-approved motto, 'Preparing all children as global learners,' stating this applies to all children regardless of their or their parents’ religious faith, beliefs, or affiliations.
Board Vice President Steven Sanchez underscored the importance for public officials to acknowledge that the U.S. does not have an official religion. Sanchez noted that the Constitution protects freedom of religion for Christians and people of all other faiths. He also told a local publication that the district must remain a place where every family feels respected and represented, regardless of their faith, culture, or background. Board President Hong Ha Hoang expressed hope that the resolution would reassure the community, encourage reflection, and help the board focus on serving every student and family.
Trustee Rudy Rodriguez criticized Cooper's conduct, describing his comments and actions over several years as hateful, divisive, and unrepresentative of the district’s diversity. Rodriguez publicly requested Cooper's immediate resignation from the board. This is not Cooper’s first censure; he was previously censured by the board for his connection with Informed Parents of Silicon Valley, an organization openly against teaching critical race theory and gender expansive education in schools.
In his defense, Cooper stated that he does not hate Muslims, noting that he married a person from a Muslim country who later became a Christian. While acknowledging the U.S. lacks an official religion, he maintained that its roots stem from Judeo-Christian values. Regarding 9/11, Cooper clarified that the perpetrators were "radical Islam terrorists" and a "small group," not all Muslim people. He emphasized that this does not indicate hate for anyone and that he does not promote hate in the district. Cooper also stressed the need for trustees to collaborate as a team, representing the diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities of the community, which he described as central to democracy.
Franklin-McKinley Education Association President Tuan-Anh Huynh stated that many of Cooper's comments are not inclusive and could make certain groups feel uncomfortable and unwelcome within the district. Huynh expressed satisfaction that the board reacted and issued a statement affirming their disagreement with Cooper’s comments. The board also upheld the importance of remembering 9/11 and reminded the community that Franklin-McKinley School District alumnus Jason M. Dahl was captain of United Flight 93, which crashed on that day, and for whom Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School is named.