1312

Community Relations

Public Complaints

General Complaint Procedure

The _________________________ Board of Education understands that, on occasion, a member of the public will wish to lodge a complaint against instructional material. Such complaints shall be addressed and resolved as close to their origin of concern as possible.

While members of the community have a right to petition the Board of Education for redress to a grievance, complaints will be referred back through the appropriate administrative channels for a solution. Exceptions will be made when the complaint directly concerns Board actions or operations.

The proper channel of complaints on matters related to discipline, instruction, or instructional materials should begin with the teacher. If the complaint is not resolved at that level, it can proceed to the department supervisor, Principal, Superintendent, and finally to the full Board.

(cf. 1220 - Citizens' Advisory Committees)

(cf. 1312.3/6161.14 - Library Material Review and Reconsideration)

(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

(cf. 6144 - Controversial Issues)

(cf. 6161 - Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)

Legal Reference: Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)

President's Council, District 25 v. Community School Board No. 25 457 F.2d 289 (1972), cert. denied 409 U.S. 998 (1976)

Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976).

Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982).

Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81).

Connecticut General Statutes

10-238 Petition for hearing by board of education.

Policy adopted:

1312 Form

(Name of District)

Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials

Title ________________________________________________________________________

Author __________________________________________ Publisher _____________________

Request initiated by ________________________________

The concerning material was located in or obtained from:

[ ] Library [ ] Classroom

If classroom: Grade level ____

Course Name ______________________

Teacher/Staff ______________________

The questionable material was:

[ ] Required of all students in a class.

[ ] Required supplemental reading.

[ ] Recommended from an assigned list or staff member.

[ ] Independently selected by the student.

[ ] Other. Please specify ________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

The material is best described as a:

[ ] Print Media

[ ] Book

[ ] Periodical/Magazine

[ ] Other (please specify) __________________________________________________________

[ ] Audio Media

[ ] Music

[ ] Podcast/Interview

[ ] Other (please specify) __________________________________________________________

[ ] Visual Media

[ ] Video/Online Content

[ ] Poster/Artwork

[ ] Other (please specify) __________________________________________________________

If available, please provide the following details about the material publication date

[ ] Title ________________________________________

[ ] Author ______________________________________

[ ] Publication date: ______________________________

Please answer the following questions:

1. Did you read, view, or listen to the entire work? If not, what parts did you examine?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

2. In what specific ways do you think this work is inappropriate for students?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

3. What have you been told about the instructional purpose of this material?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

4. What do you believe is the theme or purpose of this material?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

5. What age group would you recommend this material?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

6. Are you aware of the judgment of this work by literary critics and/or professional educators/organizations?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

7. What are the valuable aspects of this material?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

8. What do you feel may be the results of student reading, listening to, or viewing this material?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

9. What work/material of equal or superior value would you recommend replacing the one in question?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

10. What would you like the school to do regarding this book/material?

[ ] Do not assign to my child

[ ] Withdraw it from circulation

[ ] Re-evaluate its use or availability in the school

11. Additional Notes/Comments

_______________________________________________________________________________________