Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom 
RISE Charter School shall offer courses that provide learning experiences appropriate to the students’ level of understanding. The instructional program shall respect the right of students to face issues; to have free access to information; to study under teachers in situations free from prejudice; and to form, hold, and express their own opinions without personal prejudice or discrimination. 

The Board recognizes the need for the teacher to have the freedom to discuss and teach subjects and issues which may be controversial. Such subjects and issues may include but are not necessarily limited to: 

1. Politics; 
2. Science; 
3. Health and sex education; and 
4. Values and ethics. 

Teachers shall guide discussions and instruction in a thorough and objective way to help students understand the need to recognize opposing viewpoints, the importance of fact, the value of good judgment, and the virtue of respect for conflicting opinions. 

The Board of Directors encourages and supports the concept of academic freedom, recognizing it as a necessary condition to aid in maintaining an environment conducive to learning and the free exchange of ideas and information. 

In the study or discussion of controversial issues or materials, however, the Board directs the teaching staff to take into account the following criteria: 

1. Relative maturity of students; 
2. Charter School philosophy of education; 
3. Community standards, morals, and values; 
4. The necessity for a balanced presentation; and 
5. The necessity to seek prior administrative counsel and guidance in such matters. 

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, objective, and impartial; 
2. Teachers will create and maintain an atmosphere of open-mindedness and tolerance, and no one idea or viewpoint should necessarily prevail; 
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 as to their accuracy and interpretation; and 
4. No distinction or classification of students shall be made on account of race or color, other than as required for collection or reporting of demographic data required by public schools. 

To this end: 

1. The teacher shall be free to choose supplemental materials to support and enhance the regular classroom curriculum except in sex education instruction as outlined in item 4 of this section. To encourage the free flow of information and enhance student creativity, unplanned issues may be brought up in the classroom and briefly discussed. 
2. The school shall provide for parents/guardians to have their child excused from a topic which may be contrary to their religious or moral values. This shall be done in writing by the parent/guardian and include an explanation of the conflict. The student may also request to be excused if the student personally finds the topic to be contrary to their religious or moral values. The student must explain in writing as to the nature of the conflict. The teacher will provide an alternative assignment if the request is approved by the teacher and Executive Director or designee. 
3. The teacher shall notify parents/guardians when especially controversial issues may be discussed and that they may have their child excused if family religious or moral values so dictate. The teacher should have the principal view questionable materials, etc. 

4. When speakers are to be used, the Executive Director or designee must always give approval as outlined in Policy 2345P Controversial Speaker Procedure. 

Cross References 

Cross Reference: 

 2345P        Controversial Speakers Procedure 

Policy History: 

Adopted on: June 14, 2021 

Revised on: January 26, 2026 

Reviewed on: