4118.21

Personnel — Certified

Academic Freedom

Teachers shall be free to discuss controversial ideas and to select and employ materials and methods of instruction.  Such freedoms should be used judiciously and prudently to promote the free exercise of intelligence and learning.

However, academic freedom is not an absolute; it must be exercised within the law and the basic ethical responsibilities of the teaching profession.  Those responsibilities include:

1.  Understanding of our democratic tradition and its methods; 

2.  Concern for the welfare, growth, maturity, and development of children;

3.  Appropriate presentation of appropriate material for children’s intellectual and emotional development;

4.  Good taste and judgment in selecting and employing materials and methods of instruction.

(cf. 4112.1/4212.1 Provisions of Negotiated Agreements)

(cf. 1220 Citizens' Advisory Committees)

(cf. 1312 Public Complaints)

(cf. 5145.2 Freedom of Speech/Expression)

(cf. 6144 Controversial Issues)

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

Legal Reference:   Amendment to U.S. Constitution Article I

Connecticut Constitution, ARTICLE FIRST

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

Policy adopted: