In a recent development, Republican state legislator and congressional candidate Grey Mills from North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District is facing criticism for his association with a prep school that has included controversial LGBTQ and woke-themed books on its reading lists. Mills, who served as a trustee at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, from 2020 to 2021, has been accused of not publicly addressing the inclusion of these books during his tenure.
It is worth noting that Mills, along with his family, has made significant donations to various causes and campaigns associated with Cannon School. Despite his anti-woke stance in the state legislature, opposing critical race theory in schools, biological males participating in women’s sports, and advocating for opportunity scholarships, Mills has not publicly addressed the controversial reading material.
Among the books included on Cannon School’s reading lists are “Pink is for Boys,” which challenges traditional gender norms, and “Illegal,” which portrays illegal immigration in a positive light. Other books, such as “Efren Divided,” “Blended,” and “Ban this Book,” tackle woke themes like anti-law enforcement and pro-illegal immigration.
Mills’ opponent, Pat Harrigan, has criticized Mills for his association with the school and its reading list. However, Mills’ campaign spokesman, Chris D’Anna, defended him, stating that Harrigan’s attacks were unfounded and aimed at distracting from the issues. D’Anna emphasized Mills’ conservative record in protecting girls’ sports, advocating for parents’ rights, and opposing indoctrination.
A source familiar with Cannon School clarified that the trustees have no involvement in the school’s reading list curriculum, as their primary focus is on financial management. This information suggests that Mills may not have had a direct role in the selection of the controversial books.
North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, who announced in December that he would not seek re-election. The district is considered a safe seat for Republicans, making the upcoming election crucial for both Mills and Harrigan.
As the controversy surrounding Grey Mills and Cannon School’s reading list continues to unfold, it raises questions about how closely political candidates should be scrutinized for their associations and whether their personal beliefs align with the institutions they are affiliated with.
