Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HighlandParkHighSchool NCAC
HighlandParkHighSchool NCAC
Along these lines, any input by parents into the review process for challenged materials must also occur with
an understanding that decisions will be based solely on sound educational considerations as defined by
professional educators, not on personal viewpoints, even if couched as opinions about what constitutes a
good education.
The district has received scores, if not hundreds, of comments from parents expressing their views about
what kind of material should and should not be in the curriculum, which they have every right to express.
However, they do not have a right to control that decision. Prolonging a contentious debate among members
of the community with conflicting views and values will serve no legitimate purpose and will only harm
students. The only response that is practical as well as legally and educationally sound is to adopt policies and
procedures that make it clear that curricular decisions will be based solely on educational grounds, not on the
opinions or preferences of any individual or group.
This is not only a principled approach that favors neither faction, it is also the approach most likely in the
long run to defuse the controversy between the warring camps and allow the district to get back to the
pressing business of providing the best possible education to students. We urge you to act promptly and
decisively to protect the professional integrity and reputation of the educational program.
If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,