Classroom Consideration of Controversial Issues

Properly introduced and conducted, the consideration of controversial issues can help students learn to  identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue, weigh carefully the values and  factors involved, and develop techniques for formulating and evaluating positions. 

For purposes of this administrative guideline, a controversial issue is a topic on which opposing points of  view have been promulgated by responsible opinion. 

Introduction and proper educational use of controversial issues will be permitted where their use in the  instructional program:

1. is related to the instructional goals of the course of study and level of maturity of the students;
2. does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view;
3. encourages open-mindedness and is conducted in a spirit of scholarly inquiry; and
4. does not cause a substantial disruption in the school environment. 

Controversial issues related to the program may be initiated by the students themselves, provided they are presented in the ordinary course of classroom instruction, relate to the topic of instruction, and do not  cause substantial disruption of the school environment. 

Controversial issues may not be initiated by a source outside the schools or included, where outside the  specified course of study, unless prior approval has been given by the Superintendent or designee.

West Lafayette Community School Corporation

Adopted: March 16, 2026

Revised: [date]