2240 - CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM
The Board believes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program of the District.
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. In addition, the opportunity can lead students to learn about how to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to study and analyze relevant issues, evaluate different sources of information, make intelligent decisions regarding issues, and how to appreciate the value of differing viewpoints.
For purposes of this policy, a controversial issue is a topic on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion and/or likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community. These issues may range across a wide spectrum of political, social, economic, and religious topics.
The Board will permit the introduction and proper educational use of controversial issues provided that their use in the instructional program:
- is related to the instructional goals of the course of study and level of maturity of the students;
- does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view;
- 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, relate to the topic of instruction and it is not disruptive to the educational setting.
Controversial issues may not be initiated by a source outside the schools unless prior approval has been given by the District Administrator. Issues pertaining to human growth and development, as defined by statute, are subject to 118.019, Wis. Stats.
When controversial issues have not been specified in the course of study, the Board will permit the instructional use of only those issues that have been approved by the District Administrator, who shall report periodically such approval to the Board for their review.
In the discussion of any controversial issue in the classroom or in the course of professional duties, a teacher may not express a personal opinion. The classroom should not be used as a forum for the discussion of District employment issues.
The Board recognizes that a course of study or certain instructional materials may contain content and/or activities that some parents find objectionable. If after careful, personal review of the program lessons and/or materials, a parent indicates to the school that either content or activities conflicts with his/her religious beliefs or value system, the school will honor a written request for his/her child to be excused from particular classes for specified reasons. The student, however, will not be excused from participating in the course or activities mandated by the State and will be provided alternative learning activities during times of parent requested absences.
The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for dealing with controversial issues. (See also Policy 3310 – Employee Expression in Noninstructional Settings)
Revised 9/14/22
Revised 5/19/23
Revised 9/13/23
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