The School Board believes that students should have opportunities to discuss controversial issues which have political, social or economic significance and which the students are mature enough to investigate and address. The study of a controversial issue should help students learn how to gather and organize pertinent facts, discriminate between fact and fiction, draw intelligent conclusions, and respect the opinions of others.

The Board expects teachers to exercise caution and discretion when deciding whether or not a particular issue is suitable for study or discussion in any particular class. Teachers should not spend class time on any topic which they feel is not suitable for the class or related to the established course of study.

The Board also expects teachers to be impartial and ensure that all sides of a controversial issue are presented, with adequate and appropriate factual information. Without promoting any partisan point of view, the teacher should help students separate fact from opinion and warn them against drawing conclusions from insufficient data. The teacher shall not suppress any student's view on the issue as long as its expression is not malicious or abusive toward others.

(cf.1312.1 - Complaints Concerning School Personnel)
(cf.1312.2 - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials)
(cf. 4119.25 - Political Activities of Employees)
(cf.5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)
(cf.6141.2 - Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs)

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
14.03.090 Partisan, sectarian or denominational doctrines prohibited