2023                                8330

Instruction

 

SUBJECT:    OBJECTION TO LIBRARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

The Board recognizes the right of District community members to voice concerns and objections about instructional materials and the discussion of controversial issues. This policy addresses how those concerns and objections can be raised.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

1. “Controversial issues” means questions, subjects, or problems which can create a difference of opinion. They can include issues which may have political, social, environmental, or personal impacts on students and/or the wider community: locally, nationally, or internationally.
2. “Instructional material” means any print or non-print material with instructional content or an instructional function that is used to facilitate formal or informal learning either in the classroom, library media center, or elsewhere in the District. Examples of instructional materials include, but are not limited to: textbooks; workbooks; hardcover and paperback books; ebooks; online databases; DVDs; streaming videos; sound recordings; magazines;
   newspapers; pamphlets; pictures; charts; games; kits; maps; models; microforms; slides; specimens; and transparencies.
3. “Library material” means any print or non-print material which is catalogued and processed as part of the library media center for use by students and staff. Examples of library materials include, but are not limited to: hardcover and paperback books; ebooks; online databases; DVDs; streaming videos; sound recordings; magazines; newspapers; pamphlets; pictures; charts; games; kits; maps; models; microforms; slides; specimens; and transparencies.
4. “Textbook” means a text, or a text-substitute, that a student is required to use in a particular class or program of the District. Textbooks include:

1. Books, or book substitutes, including hardcover or paperback books, workbooks, or manuals; and
2. Courseware or other content-based instructional materials in an electronic format.

 

Objections to Library and Instructional Materials

 

The Board has authority to prescribe curriculum in the District and to designate the textbooks to be used in the District. The parent of a student cannot compel the Board to use a particular textbook or discontinue the use of a particular textbook. Further, the District may not be compelled to assign an alternate curriculum to a student based upon a parent’s disapproval of classroom assignments. Students may be able to be excused from instruction in very limited circumstances outlined in law and regulation.

District community members who have questions or concerns about instructional materials are encouraged to bring these questions and concerns to instructional staff and/or the school library media specialist(s).

District community members who wish to formally object to library or instructional materials must submit their objections in writing to the Superintendent. District staff who object to library or instructional materials must follow the same process as all District community members. Challenged
library or instructional materials will remain in use and/or circulation until a final decision has been made. The Board will be informed of any objection the Superintendent receives.

The Superintendent will designate a review committee to investigate and evaluate the challenged library or instructional material. The committee will include, among others, the school library media specialist from the building where the objection originated and the building principal. The committee
will evaluate the challenged material according to the District’s criteria for the evaluation and selection of library and instructional materials.

The review committee will submit a written report of the results of their review to the Superintendent within 60 days of receipt of the formal written objection.

Appeals of decisions by the review committee may be submitted in writing to the Superintendent who will then submit the appeal to the Board for action.

If subsequent objections after an appeal are issued for the same material within a period of five years, the Superintendent can deny the objection based on the previous review and decision.

 

Controversial Issues

Controversial issues may be studied as part of the curriculum. Instructional staff will present these issues in their classrooms in an impartial and objective manner. It is expected that a library media center’s collection, both print and digital, will include items that are considered to be controversial.

Instructional staff wishing to call upon outside speakers to present on controversial issues are required to work with the building principal who will keep in mind the obligation to present balanced viewpoints. The building principal will inform the Superintendent of the presentation on the
controversial issue prior to it occurring.

Any objection to how a controversial issue is being taught, including the use of a guest speaker, should be directed to the building principal who will consult with appropriate instructional staff to address the objection.

If the objection is related an instructional material being used in the teaching of a controversial issue, the process requesting reconsideration of library or instructional materials should be followed. Objections to library or instructional materials by District community members must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent. If the objection is related to the curriculum or New York State learning standards, the building principal will address the matter with the individual(s) raising the objection.

• Education Law §§ 701, 711, 809, 1604, 1709, 1804, 2503, and 3204

• 8 NYCRR §§ 16.2 and 135.3

 

NOTE:      Refer also to Policies:

• #8320 –Textbooks, Library Materials, and Other Instructional

  Materials

• #8360 — Religious Expression in the Instructional Program

 

Adopted:  8/24/11
Revised:  9/22/20; 7/25/23