Policy 627 - Instruction of Controversial Topics

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the teaching of “controversial topics”.

A “controversial topic” involves a topic about which an individual and/or group may urge the district to alter the discussion or learning of said topic in the schools. It may deal with a topic for which society has not found a solution, and it is of sufficient significance that all proposed ways of dealing with it arouses a contrary response, or it may involve a material that contains language or treatment of topics that are objectionable to the citizen challenging the topic.

A. The school board recognizes that the district has a responsibility to include, in various curricular areas and at all grade levels, content dealing with critical topics and using materials, some of which may be considered controversial or raise objections by some members of the community.

B. Development of rational thinking and preparation for citizenship are the primary reasons for including the study of potentially controversial topics and/or materials in the curriculum.

C. The district has a responsibility to give the student:

1. an opportunity to study controversial topics or read controversial materials which have political, economic or social significance about which they will begin to have an opinion.

2. access to all relevant information, including the materials that circulate freely in the community.

3. competent instruction balancing the various points-of-view in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice.

4. the right to form and express their own opinions on controversial topics or materials without jeopardizing their relations with teachers or the schools.

D. Deliberate effort shall be made by the teacher to achieve balance over time in the viewpoints to which students are exposed. The teacher shall not espouse a biased viewpoint that is intended to influence students’ creation of their own viewpoints.

E. While ultimate responsibility for determining instructional programs, compliant with state law and regulation, rests with the School Board, related authority is delegated to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee, who shall be responsible for the development of guidelines and procedures to identify the steps to be followed.

• 613: Instructional Material Review, Selection and Use
• 613-R: Instructional Material Review, Selection and Use Regulations
• 629: Alternative Student Learning Plan
• 629-R: Alternative Student Learning Plan Regulation
• 629 -R Form: Alternative Student Learning Plan Form

• Adoption: May 9, 2005
• Reviewed: April 9, 2007
• Amended: December 9, 2013
• Draft: September 25, 2018
• Amended: July 10, 2023
• Last Reviewed: July 10, 2023

• Policy 627-R Instruction of "Controversial Topics" Regulations