Article 27 - Controversial Issues in the Classroom

27-1     Controversial issues are defined as those problems, subjects, or questions about which there are significant differences of opinion, for which there are no easy resolutions, and discussions of which generally create strong feelings among people.

27-1-1   Although there may be disagreements over what the facts are and what they mean, subjects usually become controversial issues because of differences in the values people use in applying the facts.

27-1-2   Controversy is inherent in the democratic way of life. It is essential therefore, that the study and discussion of controversial issues have an important place in education for citizenship in a free society. Students develop into free citizens with informed loyalty to democracy only through the process of examining evidence, facts, and differing viewpoints; through the exercise of freedom of thought and moral choice; and through the making of responsible decisions. These procedures are characteristic of, and essential to, a free society.

27-2     Teachers have the right and responsibility to teach about controversial issues.

27-2-1   Teachers have the responsibility to select issues for study and discussion which contribute to the attainment of course objectives, and to make available to students materials concerning the various aspects of the issues.

27-2-2   Teachers have the obligation to be as objective as possible and to present fairly the several sides of an issue.

27-2-3   Although teachers have the right to express their own viewpoints and opinions, they do not have the right to unduly influence or indoctrinate students to their own views.

27-3     Students have the right and need, under competent guidance and instruction, to study issues appropriate to their interests, experiences and abilities. They must have access to relevant information, and they have the obligation to examine carefully all sides of an issue. Students have the right to form and express their own opinions without jeopardizing their positions in the classroom or in the school.

27-4     Academic Freedom.

27-4-1   The parties seek to educate young people in the democratic tradition, to foster a recognition of individual freedom and social responsibility, to inspire meaningful awareness of the respect for the Constitution.

27-4-2   Freedom of individual conscience, association and expression will be encouraged and fairness in procedures will be observed both to safeguard the legitimate interests of the schools and to exhibit by appropriate examples the basic objectives of a democratic society as set forth in the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Colorado.

27-4-3   The final responsibility in the determination of the above rests by law with the Board.

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