Series 6000: Instruction

6144 Controversial Issues

Students in the schools shall have the opportunity for responsible discussion of controversial issues.

Such free discussion requires that students have the following rights: 

1. The right to study any controversial issue which has political, economic or social significance and concerning which  the student, at his/her level, should begin to have an opinion.

2. The right to free access to all relevant information including the materials that circulate freely in the community.

3. The right to form and express his/her own opinions on controversial issues without jeopardizing the student’s relations with the teacher or the school.

The discussion and study of controversial issues shall be objective and scholarly, with a minimum emphasis on opinion. The teacher shall approach controversial issues in the classroom in an impartial and unprejudiced manner and must refrain from using classroom privileges and prestige to promote a partisan point of view.

Instructional policy on controversial issues is stated by the Board of Education to protect teachers and school administrators from unwarranted attack by pressure groups, and to insure youth a well-balanced preparation for American citizenship.

(cf. 1220 - Citizens’ Advisory Committees)

(cf. 1312 - Public Complaints)

(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

(cf. 6161 - Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)

Legal Reference:    

Connecticut General Statutes

31-51q Liability of employer for discipline or discharge of employee on account of employee’s exercise of certain constitutional rights.

Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967) Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81) 

Policy adopted: October 15, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut