The School Board believes that controversial issues may be a part of the Corporation's instructional program when directly elated to subject matter in a given grade level or specific curricular field. Professional judgement must be made in determining the appropriateness of the issue to the curriculum and the maturity of the students.

In the presentation of all controversial issues, every effort will be made to effect a balance of biases, divergent points of view, and opportunity for exploration by the students into all sides of the issue.

In discussing controversial issues, the teacher will encourage students to express their own views, assuring that it be done in a manner that gives due respect to one another's rights and opinions.

When discussing controversial issues, the teacher will respect positions other than his/her own. Students will be encouraged, after class discussions and independent inquiry, to reach their own conclusions regarding controversial issues.

Speakers, films, special programs and other resources that could be considered controversial or disruptive must have approval of the building administration in advance of their use. Approval will not be granted if the administration has reason to believe that use of the proposed resource would be disruptive or detrimental to students or to the educational process; or would violate the canons of good taste acceptable in the community.

The Board recognizes that a course of study or certain instructional materials may contain content and/or activities that some parents find objectionable. If after careful, personal review of the program lessons and/or materials, a parent files a complaint in accordance with Board policy 9130 regarding either the content or activities that conflict with his/her religious beliefs or value system, the school will honor a written request for his/her child to be excused from a particular class for specified reasons. The student, however, will not be excused from participating in the course and will be provided alternate learning activities during times of such parent-requested absences.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for dealing with controversial issues and with parental concerns about program content or the use of particular materials.