Vallejo School District Cuts Ties With Contractor After Video Controversy

District terminates agreement with JF University/Luv Our Youth over president's 'disparaging remarks' about the community.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A bold, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring repeating images of school supplies and architectural elements in a vibrant neon color palette, conceptually representing the district's efforts to protect the integrity of its public education programs.The Vallejo school district's decisive action to sever ties with a controversial contractor underscores its commitment to maintaining inclusive, secular learning environments.Vallejo Today

The Vallejo City Unified School District has terminated its contract with third-party contractor JF University/Luv Our Youth after becoming aware of a video showing the organization's president, Eryck Bennett, making 'disparaging remarks about the Vallejo community' and sharing 'intentions that are inconsistent with the scope and expectations of the District's agreement'.

Why it matters

The district takes its responsibility to maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students very seriously, and will not allow any partners to undermine the trust placed in them or violate the separation of church and state.

The details

The contractor had been engaged through two temporary, grant-funded agreements totaling more than $600,000 to support coordination for Community Schools and Expanded Learning programs at multiple school sites. The district does not permit religious instruction or proselytizing in any school-sponsored program, and upon review, immediately severed all ties with the individual and organization, revoking their access to district campuses, students, and staff.

  • On March 30, 2026, the Vallejo City Unified School District announced it was terminating its agreement with JF University/Luv Our Youth.

The players

Vallejo City Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of Vallejo, California.

JF University/Luv Our Youth

A third-party contractor that had been engaged by the Vallejo school district to provide student support services, stakeholder engagement, and program coordination.

Eryck Bennett

The president of JF University/Luv Our Youth, who made 'disparaging remarks about the Vallejo community' in a video that led to the district terminating its agreement with the organization.

Rubén Aurelio

The superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District.

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What they’re saying

“Our public schools are, and always will be, inclusive and welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. We will not allow anyone to misuse access to our campuses or undermine the trust we place in our partners. We take our responsibility to uphold the separation of church and state and to protect our students very seriously.”

— Rubén Aurelio, Superintendent, Vallejo City Unified School District

What’s next

The district is conducting a comprehensive review of its vetting processes for third-party vendors and strengthening oversight of contractor activities on school campuses to ensure full compliance with its policies and state law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of school districts carefully vetting and monitoring their partnerships with outside organizations to ensure they align with the district's values of inclusivity and upholding the separation of church and state, especially when it comes to accessing students and school campuses.