Indoctrination is not a policy of our public schools.
The school board accepts training for effective citizenship as one of the major purposes of education. A recognition that many important areas of study involve issues on which individuals or groups hold differing positions will assist the achievement of this purpose.
In considering these issues, the student shall have the right:
1. To study any controversial issue which has political, economical or social significance and is germane to the objectives of the course. Controversial issues to be discussed in class must be presented on a level consistent with the knowledge, maturity, and competency of the students in class.
2. To study under competent instruction in an atmosphere of freedom.
3. To form and express opinions on controversial issues without jeopardizing his or her position within the school.
The role of the teacher in the presentation of controversial issues is vitally important. All sides of the issues should be presented to the students in a dispassionate manner. The goal is that students be taught to think clearly on all matters of importance and to make their own decisions in light of all material that has been presented or can be secured on the issues. The opinions, biases or prejudices of a teacher should never be forced on a captive audience of students.
ADOPTED: June 19, 1984