Controversial Issues

Controversial issues may be discussed in the classroom, provided that: - The issue is related to the course of study and provides opportunities for critical thinking, for developing tolerance, and for understanding conflicting points of view. - The issue has a meaningful relationship to matters of concern to the students. - Available information about the issue is sufficient to allow alternative points of view to be discussed and evaluated on a factual basis. - All sides of the issue are given a proper hearing, using established facts as primary evidence. - The issue has points of view which can be understood and defined by the students. - The teacher does not use his/her position to forward his/her own religious, political, economic or social bias. The teacher may express a personal opinion if he/she identifies it as such and does not express the opinion for the purpose of persuading students to his/her point of view. - Discussion or study of the issue is instigated by the students or by the established curriculum, but not by a source outside of the schools. - The discussion does not reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, sex, color, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, handicap or occupation. - The oral or written presentation does not violate state or federal law. The Superintendent or designee shall have the authority to judge whether the above conditions are being met.