BP 6144 - Controversial Issues
Adopted: May 29, 2025
Controversial Issues
The Governing Board recognizes that the district's educational program may sometimes include instruction related to controversial issues that may arouse strong reactions based on personal values and beliefs, political philosophy, culture, religion, or other influences. Instruction concerning such topics shall be relevant to the adopted course of study and curricular goals and should be designed to develop students' critical thinking skills, ability to discriminate between fact and opinion, respect for others, and understanding and tolerance of diverse points of view.
The Board expects administrators and teachers to exercise professional judgment when deciding whether or not a particular issue is suitable for study or discussion. They shall consult with the Superintendent or designee as necessary to determine the appropriateness of the subject matter, guest speakers, and/or related instructional materials or resources.
When providing instruction related to a controversial issue, the following guidelines shall apply:
1. The topic shall be suitable to the age and maturity of the students.
2. Instruction shall be presented in a balanced manner, addressing all sides of the issue without bias or prejudice and without promoting any particular point of view.
3. In the classroom, teachers act on behalf of the district and are expected to follow the adopted curriculum. In leading or guiding class discussions about issues that may be controversial, a teacher may not advocate his/her personal opinion or viewpoint. When necessary, the Superintendent or designee may instruct teachers to refrain from sharing personal views in the classroom on controversial topics.
4. Students shall be assured of their right to form and express an opinion without jeopardizing their grades or being subject to discrimination, retaliation, or discipline, provided the viewpoint does not constitute harassment, threats, intimidation, or bullying or is otherwise unlawful.
5. Students shall be informed of conduct expected during such instruction and the importance of being courteous and respectful of the opinions of others.
6. Adequate factual information shall be provided to help students objectively analyze and evaluate the issue and draw their own conclusions.
7. The instruction shall not reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, or any other basis prohibited by law.
8. The subject matter of the instruction shall not otherwise be prohibited by state or federal law.
When a guest speaker is invited to make a presentation related to a controversial issue, the Superintendent or designee shall notify him/her of this policy and the expectations and goals regarding the instruction. If the guest speaker is presenting only one point of view on an issue, the teacher shall be responsible for ensuring that students also receive information on opposing viewpoints.
When required by law, such as in regards to comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education, parents/guardians shall be notified prior to instruction that they may request in writing that their child be excused from the instruction. Students whose parents/guardians decline such instruction may be offered an alternative activity of similar educational value.
A student or parent/guardian with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues may communicate directly with the teacher or principal and/or use appropriate district complaint procedures.
Policy Reference Disclaimer: These references are not intended to be part of the policy itself, nor do they indicate the basis or authority for the Governing Board to enact this policy. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the subject matter of the policy.
State Description
Ed. Code 220 Prohibition of discrimination
Ed. Code 48950 Speech and other communication
Ed. Code 51240 Excuse from instruction due to religious beliefs
Ed. Code 51500 Prohibited instruction or activity
Ed. Code 51510 Prohibited study or supplemental materials
Ed. Code 51511 Religious matters properly included in courses of study
Ed. Code 51513 Personal beliefs
Ed. Code 51530 Advocacy or teaching of communism
Ed. Code 51930-51939 California Healthy Youth Act
Ed. Code 60040 Selection of instructional materials
Ed. Code 60044 Prohibited instructional materials
Ed. Code 60045 Criteria for instructional materials
Management Resources Description
Court Decision Garcetti v. Ceballos (2006) 547 U.S. 410
Court Decision Mayer v. Monroe County Community School Corporation (2007) 474 F.3d 477 (7th Cir.)
Court Decision Johnson v. Poway Unified School District (2011) 658 F.3d 954
Website CSBA District and County Office of Education Legal Services
Cross References Description
0410 Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities
1312.1 Complaints Concerning District Employees
1312.1 Complaints Concerning District Employees
1312.2 Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials
1312.2 Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials
1312.2-E(1) Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials
1325 Advertising And Promotion
4119.25 Political Activities Of Employees
4119.25 Political Activities Of Employees
4141.6 Concerted Action/Work Stoppage
4141.6 Concerted Action/Work Stoppage
4219.25 Political Activities Of Employees
4219.25 Political Activities Of Employees
4241.6 Concerted Action/Work Stoppage
4241.6 Concerted Action/Work Stoppage
4319.25 Political Activities Of Employees
4319.25 Political Activities Of Employees
5022 Student And Family Privacy Rights
5022 Student And Family Privacy Rights
5121 Grades/Evaluation Of Student Achievement
5121 Grades/Evaluation Of Student Achievement
5131 Conduct
5131.2 Bullying
5131.2 Bullying
5137 Positive School Climate
5145.2 Freedom Of Speech/Expression
5145.2 Freedom Of Speech/Expression
5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
5145.9 Hate-Motivated Behavior
6115 Ceremonies And Observances
6115 Ceremonies And Observances
6141 Curriculum Development And Evaluation
6141 Curriculum Development And Evaluation
6141.2 Recognition Of Religious Beliefs And Customs
6141.2 Recognition Of Religious Beliefs And Customs
6142.1 Sexual Health And HIV/AIDS Prevention Instruction
6142.1 Sexual Health And HIV/AIDS Prevention Instruction
6142.3 Civic Education
6142.8 Comprehensive Health Education
6142.8 Comprehensive Health Education
6142.94 History-Social Science Instruction
6143 Courses Of Study
6143 Courses Of Study
6145.5 Student Organizations And Equal Access
6145.5 Student Organizations And Equal Access
6145.8 Assemblies And Special Events
6161.1 Selection And Evaluation Of Instructional Materials
6161.1 Selection And Evaluation Of Instructional Materials
6161.1-E(1) Selection And Evaluation Of Instructional Materials
6161.11 Supplementary Instructional Materials
6163.1 Library Media Centers