Model Board Policy Manual

ISBA Policy Management Console

The District shall offer courses of study which will afford learning experiences appropriate to the level of student understanding. The instructional program shall respect the right of students to face issues; to have free access to information; to study under teachers in situations free from prejudice; and to form, hold, and express their own opinions without personal prejudice or discrimination.

The District affirms that the District, including its employees and students, are to respect the dignity of others and acknowledges the rights of others to express differing opinions and foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry, and instruction as well as speech and association rights appropriate for the educational setting.

The Board recognizes the need for teachers to have the freedom to discuss and teach subjects and issues which may be controversial. Such subjects and issues may include but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Politics;
2. Science;
3. Health and sex education; and
4. Values and ethics.

Teachers shall guide discussions and procedures with thoroughness and objectivity to acquaint students with the need to recognize opposing viewpoints, the importance of fact, the value of good judgment, and the virtue of respect for conflicting opinions. 

The Board encourages and supports the concept of academic freedom, recognizing it as a necessary condition to aid in maintaining an environment conducive to learning and the free exchange of ideas and information. 

The Board also believes that academic freedom carries with it a responsibility that is shaped by the basic ideals, goals, and institutions of the local community. These standards are expressed via the goals and objectives of the adopted curriculum, by the adopted textbooks, by Board policy, and by the District’s mission statement. 

In the study or discussion of controversial issues or materials, however, the Board directs the teaching staff to take into account the following criteria:

1. Relative maturity of students;
2. District philosophy of education;
3. Community standards, morals, and values;
4. The necessity of a balanced presentation; and
5. The necessity of seeking prior administrative counsel and guidance in such matters.

As a consequence of its responsibility to guarantee academic freedom to both students and teachers, the Board expects that:

1. All classroom studies will be curriculum-related, objective, and impartial;
    
2. Teachers will create and maintain an atmosphere of open-mindedness and tolerance, and recognize that no one idea or viewpoint should necessarily prevail;
    
3. Teachers will not attempt, directly or indirectly, to limit or control students’ judgment concerning any issue, including but not limited to requiring students to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere that any race is inferior or superior or on inherent responsibilities regarding: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color or national origin, but will make certain that full and fair consideration is given to the subject and that facts are carefully examined as to their accuracy and interpretation. This shall include not arguing that individuals should be treated adversely on the basis of any of the attributes listed above;
    
4. Teachers will exercise professional judgment in determining the appropriateness of the issue to the curriculum and to the age and grade level of the students; and
    
5. No distinction or classification of students shall be made on account or race or color, other than as required for collection or reporting of demographic data required by public schools.

To this end:

1. The teacher shall be free to choose supplemental materials to support and enhance the regular classroom curriculum except in sex education instruction as outlined in item four of this section. To encourage the free flow of information and enhance student creativity, unplanned issues may be brought up in the classroom and briefly discussed.
    
2. The school shall provide for parents or guardians to have their child excused from a topic which may be contrary to their religious or moral values. This shall be done in writing by the parent or guardian and include an explanation of the conflict. The student may also request to be excused if the student personally finds the topic to be contrary to their religious or moral values. The student must explain in writing the nature of the conflict. The teacher will provide an alternative assignment if the request is approved by the teacher and principal.
    
3. The teacher shall notify parents or guardians when controversial issues may be discussed and that they may have their child excused if family religious or moral values so dictate. The teacher should have the principal view questionable materials, etc.
    
4. Any sex education instruction shall be in accordance with Policy 2320 Health Enhancement Education and include the required information about adoption described in that policy.
    
5. When speakers are to be used, the principal must always give approval as outlined in Procedure 2345P Controversial Speakers Procedure

Cross References