Policy 916 - Relations with Political Organizations

This policy is intended to provide guidance regarding classroom examination of political issues, candidates and materials.

A. The Board expects that schools will operate in full conformity with both the letter and spirit of public law concerning local, state and federal elections. While it encourages classroom examination of political issues and personalities in a manner appropriate to the maturity level of students, this should take place with as much objectivity as possible. Teachers should not distribute or allow the distribution of any campaign materials in class unless all sides of an issue or all office seekers have an equal opportunity for representation. The purpose of such materials
distribution must be strictly instructional.

B. Political candidates may be invited to address classes only if all candidates for a specified office have been given equal time and opportunity to appear. They should be introduced in an atmosphere, which stresses the official nonpartisan position of the schools.

• Adopted: August 14, 1978
• Amended: January 13, 1986
• Amended: June 12, 2007
• Amended: July 13, 2015
• Last Reviewed: August 12, 2019