Williamsville Central School District

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Instructional Materials

Adoption Date: 7/7/2009
8000 - Instruction

8331 CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

Controversial issues may be studied as part of the curriculum and teachers shall present these issues in their classrooms in an impartial and objective manner.

In the classroom, matters of a controversial nature shall be handled as they arise in the normal course of instruction and not introduced for their own sake. Such issues shall be neither sought nor avoided.

When presenting various positions on a controversial issue, the teacher shall take care to balance major views and to assure that as many sides of the issues as possible represented in a fair manner, with no position being espoused by the teacher as the only one acceptable.

When materials dealing with controversial topics are to be used, assigned or recommended, such materials must:

  • Balance major views and provide as many sides of the issue as possible in a fair manner with no position presented as the only one acceptable;
  • Be appropriate to the maturity level of the students; and
  • Not adversely affect the attainment of the District's instructional goals or result in substantial disruption of the normal operation of the classroom.
Prior to presenting materials on such an issue, the classroom teacher shall present the materials to the Department Chairperson for prior approval. The Chairperson will review the materials pursuant to the guidelines above.

Teachers wishing to call upon outside speakers in the presentation of controversial issues are required to obtain the approval of the Principal who shall keep in mind the obligation for presenting opposing views as well, and who shall inform the Superintendent prior to the presentation.

It is recognized that parents and citizens of the community have a right to protest to the school administration when convinced that unfair and biased presentations are being made by the teacher. In considering such protests, the Superintendent of Schools shall provide for a hearing so that both parties may fairly express their views. If requested, the Superintendent's decision may be appealed to the Board of Education.

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