2345P: Controversial Speakers Procedure

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Gooding Joint School District No. 231

 

INSTRUCTION                                                                                                      2345P

 

Controversial Speakers Procedure

 

No overall standard can be established which will automatically separate and exclude as a resource the person whose views, or manner of presenting them, may actually obstruct the educational process or endanger the health and safety of students or staff. The Board, in an effort to uphold students’ freedom to learn while also recognizing obligations which the exercise of this freedom entails, establishes the following rules:

 

  1. Selection of speakers and topics must be appropriate to the age and grade level of the

 

  1. Selection of speakers and topics should be congruent with the curriculum of the course or

 

  1. The teacher/sponsor and school building administrator shall investigate fully those proposed resource persons for whom the community may question the wisdom of his/her

 

  1. The teacher/sponsor or designee must give one week prior notification to the principal or The principal or designee may waive the one week notification requirement if extenuating circumstances are present.

 

  1. Minimal disruption to the normal flow of school operation is a high

 

  1. An attempt to provide a balance of viewpoints is recommended when dealing with controversial issues or candidates for public

 

  1. No person who encourages or advocates breaking the law shall be invited to speak.

 

  1. Teachers should ensure that the presentation and follow up is consistent with District approved programs and policies.

 

  1. The teacher must retain primary responsibility for the instruction and supervision of students when using an outside The teacher must be present at all times when speakers are in the classroom.

 

  1. Prior to his/her appearance or participation, the proposed speaker shall be given in writing and shall agree to abide by the following regulations:
    1. Profanity, vulgarity, and lewd comments are
    2. Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use is prohibited.
    3. The teacher/sponsor responsible for inviting the resource person, or any member of the school administration, has the right and duty to interrupt or suspend any proceedings if the conduct of the resource person is judged to be in poor taste or endangering the safety of students and staff.

 

  1. In the event an outside community speaker is denied access to the classroom, the teacher may request a meeting to be held between the Superintendent or designee, the principal or designee, and the teacher/sponsor. The meeting shall be held no later than five (5) working days from the date of the request for the meeting. The administrators shall review with the teacher/sponsor pertinent information concerning the request and render a final decision on the issue.

Legal Reference:        I.C. § 33-512                                    Governance of schools Procedure History:

Adopted on: 5/8/12 Revised on: Reviewed on: 1/19/21

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