Controversial Issues. 6.17.1 A controversial issue is any topic on which significant differences of opinion exist within the community. 6.17.2 Classroom study of controversial issues relevant to curricular objectives and appropriate to student maturity levels is to be encouraged. 6.17.3 The presentation and discussion of controversial issues should be on an informative basis and the students should have the opportunity to find, collect and assemble materials on the subject; to interpret the data without prejudice; to reconsider assumptions and to reach their own conclusions. Within the framework of the curriculum matter under study, the Employee may express their personal opinion on controversial issues, provided that they clearly indicate that it is their personal opinion. The development of a student’s ability to meet issues without prejudice and to withhold judgments while facts are being collected, assembled, weighed and relationships seen before drawing inferences or conclusions is one of the most valuable outcomes of a free educational system. 6.17.4 The right to teach controversial issues carries with it the responsibility to explore the various sides and aspects of an issue utilizing suitable materials that are available. 6.17.5 In exploring controversial issues, the Employee has the right and the responsibility to teach pupils to be willing to take a stand on questions which citizens must decide, yet maintain an attitude of open mindedness toward new facts which may lead to new conclusions, guide the students toward their development into responsible and participating members of our American democratic society, and to decide whether or not a controversial issue which has arisen spontaneously shall become a matter of further discussion.
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Sources: Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement