7110 Teaching of Controversial Issues

Teaching and Learning/Instruction

Controversial issues include matters characterized by significant differences of opinion usually generated from differing underlying values, beliefs, and interests, which produce significant social tension and are not easily resolvable by reference to accepted facts.   Controversy arising from such differences is inherent in a pluralistic society. An important function of education is to provide students with an understanding of how controversial issues are dealt with in a democracy. This includes the opportunity to learn about the issues, problems, and concerns of contemporary society, to form opinions, and to participate in discussion of these issues and expression of opinion in the classroom. The development of an ability to meet issues without prejudice and to withhold judgments while facts are being collected, assembled and weighed and relationships seen before drawing inferences or conclusions is among the most valuable outcomes of a free educational system.

Without minimizing the importance of that large part of the curriculum made up of established truths and values, but recognizing that gradual social change is inevitable and that such change involves controversial issues, it shall be the policy of the school to foster dispassionate, unprejudiced and scientific study of controversial issues in order that the pupils may have an opportunity to study such issues in an atmosphere void of partisanship and bias. The teacher, as an impartial moderator, shall not attempt either directly or indirectly, to limit or control the judgment of his pupils on controversial issues. The respect for facts and an impartial search for truth are inherent in the democratic way of life. This policy is not intended to prohibit or limit the right of teachers to express their views consistent with the goals and standards of this policy.

The policy can best be described by listing three basic rights of the student:

1.      The right to study controversial issues that have political, economic or social significance;

2.      The right to study under competent instruction in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice;

3.      The right of access to all relevant information freely available in the school or public libraries.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to communicate this policy to principals, and of the building principal to communicate this policy to teachers.

Policy adopted:  11/13/72

Policy amended: 3/11/08