Controversial Issues

The Board of Education believes it is essential to study issues or topics for which there is no scientific, moral, cultural, social, economic, or political consensus in order to develop critical thinking, analytical thinking, and problem solving skills.

We expect our educators to facilitate the study of such issues when they are aligned with the goals of the district curriculum and to do so in a prudent, age-appropriate, and equitable manner, presenting or providing access to the various points of view.  Students may not opt out of the study of such topics except for where provided by law.

(cf. 1230 - Public Complaints)
(cf. 5730 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)
(cf. 6420 - Equipment, Books, Materials:  Provision/Selection)

Legal Reference:   Keyishian v. Board of Regents 395 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)
Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut     State Board of Education, 9/9/81)

Adopted:  June 6, 1988
Revised:  October 4, 2011