2240 - CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

The Board recognizes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program and activities of the schools.

Properly introduced and conducted, the consideration of such issues can help students learn to identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue, weigh carefully the values and factors involved, and develop techniques for formulating and evaluating positions.

For purposes of this policy, a controversial issue is a topic on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion or likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community. Study and discussion of such issues shall be objective and impartial and within the appropriate context of the District's instructional programs and activities.

1. The Board will permit the introduction and proper educational use of controversial issues provided that their use in the instructional program:
    
   1. is related to the instructional goals of the course of study and level of maturity of the students;
   2. does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view;
   3. encourages open-mindedness and is conducted in a spirit of scholarly inquiry.

Controversial issues related to the program may be initiated by the students themselves provided they are presented in the ordinary course of classroom instruction and it is not substantially disruptive to the educational setting.

2. Controversial issues may not be initiated by a source outside the schools unless the principal has given prior approval.
3. The Board recognizes that a course of study or certain instructional materials may contain content and/or activities that some parents/legal guardians find objectionable. A parent/legal guardian, after personal review of the program lessons and/or materials, may indicate in writing to the school that either the content or activities conflicts with his/her religious beliefs or value system. The school will consider the written request for the student to be excused from a particular class for specified reasons. However, the student will not be excused from participating in the course and will be provided alternate learning activities during times that the parent/legal guardian requested absences for such.
4. When required by law or otherwise deemed appropriate by staff or administrator, parents/legal guardians shall be notified prior to instruction related to any controversial issue. Parent/Legal guardian consent shall be obtained for student participation.
    
   1. A student whose parent/legal guardian declines such instruction may be offered the option to participate in an alternative activity of similar value.
   2. A student or parent/legal guardian with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues may communicate directly with staff or school’s principal.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures for dealing with controversial issues and with parental concerns about program content or the use of particular materials. Furthermore, the Superintendent shall prepare administrative procedures detailing the manner in which students and parents will be adequately informed each year regarding their right to inspect instructional materials and the procedure for completing such an inspection.

Revised 3/25/03
Revised 10/9/18
Revised 3/12/24

© Neola 2002