The Board of Education acknowledges the right of its professional staff members, as citizens in a democratic society, to speak out on issues of public concern. When those issues are related to the school system, however, the professional staff member's expression must be balanced against the interests of this District.

The Board will adopt guidelines to help clarify and, therefore, avoid situations in which the professional staff member's expression could conflict with the District's interests. In situations in which the teacher is not engaged in the performance of professional duties, s/he should state clearly that his/her expression represents personal views and not necessarily those of the District.