Action | Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/15/2014 |
The regulation of school materials allows minority ideals of censorship, hysteria and personal morals to trump the guidance and precedence of school professionals. Students, particularly those in secondary environments, should have the responsibility to judge their own level of comfort with explicit, sensitive and controversial materials and content. They can hold their own agency, and address teachers ahead of time to plan alternate assignments in the case of exceptional situations. The classroom needs to be an open and free thinking place where students needn't worry about the personal or political agendas of helicopter parents and moral extremists. Teachers should challenge, not coddle their students, and allow them to grow up with open discourse and mindful attitudes to new ideas, ideas different from their own and the often harsh realities of life. If this is against your personal beliefs, home school your child or select a private institution. Do not allow external bias to potentially prevent other students from learning, or approaching topics without fear of reproach. Too many a great teacher has been ruined by false allegations and moral panic, all for being "progressive". Censure is an outdated mode of social control. Don't allow parents the ability to cow teachers through bureaucracy and administration.