Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 4/26/22 (reviewed), 3/28/23 (reviewed),3/26/24 (updated)

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view. Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the established curriculum, subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

In no case may a teacher express an opinion that discriminates against someone on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status in our educational programs, activities, or employment practices. It is the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or biased positions in the classroom or through teaching methods. Teachers are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.

It is the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom.

Policy References:

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6.

Cross Reference:

502.3	Student Expression and Student Publications Code
502.3R1	Student Expression and Student Publications Code - Regulation
903.5	Distribution of Materials
903.5R1	Distribution of Materials - Regulation