How 'Controversial' Can A School Speaker Be? Westfield To Discuss

WESTFIELD, NJ — How "controversial" can a speaker be in the public schools? This is among the issues that the Westfield Board of Education will discuss at its meeting Tuesday evening.

On its agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting, the board will discuss a "policy attachment" on controversial issues.

"The Board of Education believes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program of the schools," says the document. "Properly introduced and conducted, the consideration of such issues can help pupils learn to identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue...."

It notes, "The discussion of controversial issues must not indoctrinate pupils or seek to persuade them to a particular point of view. Instead, teachers must encourage fair presentation and open-mindedness and the free exchange of ideas in a spirit of scholarly inquiry, drawing upon information and insights from the widest feasible range of resources."

Regarding classroom discussions, it notes, "Teachers must guard against giving their personal opinions on sectarian or political questions or any other controversial issues until the pupils have had the opportunity to:"

• Find, collect, and assemble factual materials on the subject;
• Interpret the data without prejudice;
• Reconsider assumptions and claims;
• Reach their own conclusions.

See more here.

The matter arose because of a recent speaker, Olympic wrestler (and gold medalist) Chris Campbell, who graduated from Westfield High School, according to a report on TAPInto Westfield. Campbell's speech to the high school for Black History elicited some complaints from parents.

Campbell talked about Israel, Palestine, Black Lives Matter, and his experiences with racism. The video is here.

Also at the meeting, the board will recognize Dr. Margaret Dolan's service to the Westfield Public Schools. Dr. Dolan retires next month after 14 years leading the district.

The board meeting will be held via an online platform which can be accessed at:
https://westfieldnjk12.webex.com/westfieldnjk12/onstage/g.php?MTID=ebd03b1d9eb4dd62907bdd064c1acc9ff

The meeting can also be accessed by phone at: 1-415-655-0001, Access code: 120 358 9103.

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