4118.21

Personnel -- Certified

Academic Freedom

The Board of Education recognizes the right of a teacher to discuss social, economic, or political problems as well as the right of a student to discuss the same and hold any belief without interference from the teacher.

The Board believes, however, that all freedoms carry responsibilities. Academic freedom carries with it academic responsibility that is determined by the basic ideals, goals, and institutions of the local community as they are expressed in the goals and objectives of the school system. The teacher's responsibility is to show objectivity and to see that various sides of controversial issues are given. To carry out this responsibility a teacher is to be well informed in the areas being studied.

As a consequence of its responsibility to guarantee academic freedom to both students and teachers, the Board expects that:

1.  All classroom studies will be curriculum-related, factual, objective, and impartial;

2.  Teachers will create and maintain an atmosphere of open-mindedness and an reasonable  level of tolerance; and

3.  Teachers will not attempt, directly or indirectly, to limit or control students' judgment concerning any issue, but will make certain that full and fair consideration is given to the subject and that facts are carefully examined for their accuracy.

Academic freedom is not absolute. It must be exercised within the law and the basic ethical responsibilities of the teaching profession. Those responsibilities include:

1.  An understanding of our democratic tradition and its methods;

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

3.  Application of good taste and judgment in selecting and employing materials and methods of instruction.

(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: Connecticut General Statutes

53a-193 through 53a-200

Keyishian v. Board of Regents, 395 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)

Perry v. Sindermann, 408 U.S. 593 (1972)

Pickering v. Board of Education, 391 U.S. 563 (1968)

Sterzing v. Fort Bend Independent School District, 376F. Supp. 657 (S.D. Tex 1972)

Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104 (1972)

Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973)

Amendment to U.S. Constitution, Article I

Connecticut Constitution, ARTICLE FIRST, Declaration of Rights, Sections 4, 5

Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/8/81)

Policy Adopted: 1/27/05

Policy Revised: 8/15/24

BETHEL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Bethel, CT