BP4119.24 Certificated Personnel Academic Freedom Intent The Governing Board believes that the existence and progress of a democratic society demands that there be freedom of teaching the curriculum as approved by the Board and freedom of learning in schools. This Board accepts as one of its major responsibilities the protection of these freedoms for students, teachers, and others directly concerned with the school program. The Governing Board has the responsibility to ensure that the District fulfills its obligations to society at the local, state, and national levels. The obligation in behalf of academic freedom requires that the Board cooperate with educational personnel and with the community in a judicious and open-minded manner in policies and decisions for the preservation of that freedom. The proper role of the Governing Board requires providing all possible support within the law to the teachers, administrators, and other staff members who are making use of their abilities and resources to maintain a climate of intellectual freedom, without license, in the District. Successful action in matters of academic freedom depends greatly upon the Governing Board's ability to see the true relationship between the total objectives of the educational program and the values of academic freedom. Under this criteria the Board will work with its administration for a practical and defensible balance in this relationship and will attempt to so interpret it to the community. Criteria Basis for judgment in matters pertaining to academic freedom within the District shall be: 1. The welfare of students, individually and collectively, in the present and for the future. 2. The intellectual maturity of the students. 3. The standards and beliefs of citizens of the community. 4. The security and dignity of teachers, administrators, and other employees. 5. The status of the problem or issue within the framework of law. 6. In the case of instructional materials, the informative, literary, and general cultural values which may assist students in intellectual growth and habits of critical thought. 7. Informed opinion in policy statements regarding academic freedom available from organizations of teachers, administrators, Governing Board members, and other citizens with special interest in public education. In cases of alleged offense, the Board will concern itself with the maintenance of fair hearing and appeal procedures. The Board will collaborate with the governmental structure, the State Board of education, and the courts to ensure just protection of the responsible exercise of academic freedom when the Board believes there has been a violation. Legal Reference: Education Code 51500 Prohibited instruction or activity (re adverse reflection upon persons because of race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry) 51501 Prohibited means of instruction 51510 Prohibited study or supplemental materials 51511 Religious matters properly included in courses of study 51512 Prohibited use of electronic listening or recording device; penalties 51530 Prohibition and definition (re advocating or teaching communism with the intent to indoctrinate, etc.) Adopted: 5-11-88 Revised: