8-400 - Controversial Issues in the Classroom

Policy 8-400

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM

Training for effective citizenship is accepted as one of the major goals of our public schools. Our instructional program developed to achieve this purpose properly places great emphasis upon teaching about our American heritage, the rights and privileges we enjoy as citizens, and the citizenship responsibilities that must be assumed in maintaining our American way of life.

In training for effective citizenship, it is frequently necessary for pupils to study issues that are controversial. In considering such issues, it shall be the purpose of our schools to recognize the pupil's right and/or obligation to:
a. Study any controversial issue concerning which (at his/her level) he/she should begin to have an opinion;
b. Have free access to all relevant information, including the materials that circulate freely in the community;
c. Study under competent instruction in an atmosphere of freedom from bias and prejudice;
d. Form and express his/her own judgments on controversial issues without jeopardizing his/her relation with this/her teacher or other school;
e. Recognize that reasonable compromise is often an important facet in decision making in our society, and
f. Respect minority opinion.

Adopted 3/12/96
Inspiring Each Student to Excel

3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-7600