The Board of Education recognizes the problem inherent in teaching ideas in a complex and multi-faceted culture which includes varying ideas on religious, economic, and social matters. In such a society, it is inevitable that the expression of one opinion may come into conflict with other opinions.
Academic freedom means the freedom for teachers and students to engage in intellectual discourse in classroom settings about controversial topics without fear of censorship or retaliation. The concept of academic freedom imposes a responsibility upon teachers to maintain the highest possible standards for professional responsibility, ethical instruction, and educational integrity. Applying those standards, students should be afforded the freedom to learn about controversial topics.
Controversial issues are defined as those problems, subjects or questions about which there are significant differences of opinion and discussions of which generally create strong feelings among people. Although there may be disagreement over what facts are and what they mean, subjects usually become controversial issues because of differences in interpretation or the values people use in applying the facts.
Controversial materials are defined as learning resources which are not part of the District’s approved learning resources and which are subject to disagreement as to appropriateness because they refer or relate to a controversial issue or present material in a manner which is itself controversial. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, those that depict explicit sexual conduct, graphic violence, profanity, drug use, or materials that are likely to divide the community along racial, ethnic, or religious lines.
X rated and NC-17 rated films shall not be shown in District schools. Television shows with an MA rating shall not be shown in District schools. PG-13 and R rated films and videos shall not be shown in District elementary schools. PG films shall be considered controversial at the elementary school level and shall only be shown to students if parental consent is obtained prior to viewing. PG-13 and R rated films and videos shall be considered controversial at the middle school level. R rated films and videos shall be considered controversial at the high school level. When a film or a television show meets the criteria set forth herein, a teacher must review a film and/or television show in its entirety before showing a film or television show to students.
Teachers may use controversial learning materials and discuss controversial issues if they contribute to the attainment of course objectives directly related to Board-adopted academic standards. The educational purpose of teaching about controversial issues or using controversial materials must be student achievement in academic standards rather than reaching conclusions about the validity of a specific point of view. Teachers should also consider the knowledge, maturity level, and competence of students in determining whether to discuss a controversial issue.
In teaching about controversial issues, teachers shall work cooperatively with the building principal. Teachers shall obtain approval from the building principal prior to the use of any controversial materials. If a teacher has a question regarding whether an issue or resource is controversial within the meaning of this policy, the teacher shall contact the principal. The principal may instruct the teacher to notify students’ parents/guardians and obtain parents/guardians’ permission prior to discussing a controversial issue or using controversial materials. Teachers shall inform the principal of controversial issues that arise unexpectedly which cause or are likely to cause concern for students and/or their parents/guardians.
When teaching about controversial issues, teachers may express their personal viewpoints and opinions; however, they also have the obligation to be objective and impartially present all sides of an issue. Controversial issues are to be presented with good judgment and coordination with the building principal, keeping in mind the maturity of the students.
When controversial issues or controversial materials are used as part of the instructional program, alternative learning activities shall be provided at the request of a student or the student’s parents/guardians.
Originally Adopted: November 13, 1967
Last Revised: February 12, 1979
Current Revision: June 9, 2025
CROSS REFS.: IJ, Instructional Resources and Materials
KEC, Public Concerns/Complaints about Instructional Resources
KEF, Public Concerns/Complaints about Teaching Methods, Activities or Presentations