Action | Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/15/2014 |
![]() |
The wording of this regulation "sensitive or explicit" couldn't be more vague. Parents have a right to see any possible works that will be studied, and can opt out of them if they find them offensive (this is the current policy at my school). As a parent, I would much rather have my child's teacher working on thoughtful lessons or grading challenging work than have teachers try to play censorship cop. Give specific examples in the policy text as to what is "sensitive or explicit". Quite a bit of things offend all kinds of people in 2014 America. A warning memo every minute is a waste of time. Parents, please be active in your child's education -- read the syllabus when it comes home in September. We cannot educate your child without your help.
Another important note: a banned book is the first one an adolescent will pick up. They will also quite likely read the "bad" part and put it down. The moral consequences can be openly discussed in a forum run by a trained professional (teacher), or the child can read the "smut" and fire off an unintelligent tweet about it instead.