1312/6161.12

Community Relations/Instruction

Public Complaints/Complaint Regrading Library Books or Instructional Materials

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 used in the classroom or available in the school library/media center. 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.

Complaint Regarding Library Books or Instructional Materials

The Board of Education has established the following procedures for addressing complaints regarding the utilization of books and other educational materials:

1.  A parent/legal guardian may request that his/her/their child not read, view, or hear the provided material. Such a request must be made in writing to the child's Principal. No parent/legal guardian has the right to determine such restrictions for other students.

2.  A parent/legal guardian with a concern about a book or instructional material will be asked to complete a "Request for Review of Book or Other Instructional Material" form.

a.  This request will be reviewed by the teacher giving the assignment, the appropriate department supervisor, and the school Principal.

b.  A request regarding a library book or material will be reviewed by the librarian, the appropriate department supervisor, and the school Principal.

c.  The Principal may appoint a review committee, to include teachers with experience and knowledge related to the concern expressed.

d.  The principal will discuss the results of the review with the Superintendent and provide an answer, giving the school's position to the person lodging the complaint.

e.  If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, he/she/they may appeal to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools.

(cf. 1220 - Citizens' Advisory Committees)
(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: