Policy 8243

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY INSTRUCTION
8243 POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP ACTIVITIES IN THE SCHOOL


The identification of the proper role of the teacher in dealing with controversial political matters is always difficult, and this is especially true during the period of a general election campaign.  Each teacher is a citizen and entitled to his/her personal political belief.

One of the fundamental objectives of good education is the preparation of young citizens to live and work effectively and intelligently in a democracy.  Young people must realize their citizenship rights and responsibilities.  In order to discharge their responsibilities intelligently as a citizen in a democratic society, they must constantly examine all sides of issues, which are pertinent to time, and circumstances, which they face.

Naturally, it is the school’s responsibility to lead pupils in the examination of all parts of issues facing United States citizens.  However, the school abuses its position if it attempts to influence students to take a specific political position, especially if such efforts attempt to secure support for one particular political party or candidate.

In dealing with controversial political matters, classroom activities should be planned and limited to assisting students in the examination of all parts of a political question and not be even remotely connected with the espousal of the cause of a specific political party and/or the promotion of the candidacy of a specific candidate.

The District will refrain from publicizing any activities, which may involve political candidates, thirty (30) days prior to an election.





Adopted:  6/22/99
Revised: 2/28/23

Policy 8243