AR 6144
Instruction
Controversial Issues
Controversial issues may
be discussed in the classroom, providing the following conditions
are met:
1. The
issue is related to the course of study and/or employability skills lessons and
provides opportunities for critical thinking, for developing tolerance, and for understanding conflicting
points of view.
2. The
issue has a meaningful relationship to matters of concern to the students.
3. Available
information about the issue is sufficient to allow alternative points of view
to
be discussed and evaluated on a factual basis.
4. All
sides of the issue are given a proper hearing, using established facts as
primary evidence.
5. The issue has points of view
which can be understood and defined by the students.
6. The
teacher does not use his/her position to forward his/her own religious,
political, economic or social bias. The teacher may express a personal opinion if he/she identifies
it as such and does not express
the opinion for the purpose of persuading students to his/her point of view.
7. Discussion
or study of the issue is instigated by the students or by the established
curriculum, but not by a source outside of the schools.
8. The
discussion does not reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, sex,
color, creed, national origin, ancestry, handicap or occupation.
9. The
oral or written presentation does not violate state or federal law.
The Superintendent or
designee shall have the authority to judge whether the above conditions are
being met.
Adopted:
Revised: