The Ocean Gate Board of Education recognizes that opinions may differ on the appropriateness of any given instructional materials and equipment. Occasionally an individual or group may find instructional materials used in the schools that conflict with their views. Any resident of this district shall have the right to present a request, suggestion or complaint in reference to the physical plant, playgrounds, subject matter or instructional materials.

The chief school administrator shall develop procedures to give careful consideration to such requests, suggestions or complaints. These procedures shall provide that:

A. All such requests, suggestions or complaints shall be submitted in writing;

B. Whenever possible the process be initiated and solved at the lowest effective level;

C. District response is courteous and prompt;

D. Successive steps of appeal and mechanisms for review are available when necessary.

The use of challenged materials or equipment by class or school shall not be restricted until a final decision has been reached.

The final decision on controversial reading matter shall rest with the board after careful examination and discussion of the book or reading matter with school officials or others the board may wish to involve.

NJSBA Review/Update: January 2009, November 2017
Adopted: January 21, 2009
Reviewed:

Key Words

Instructional Materials, Complaints Regarding Instructional Materials, Complaints, Censorship

Legal Reference: N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1 General mandatory powers and duties
N.J.S.A. 18A:54-20 Powers of board (county vocational schools)

Board of Education Island Trees U.F.S.D. v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982)

Possible
Cross References: *1312 Community complaints and inquiries
2220 Representative and deliberative groups
*6144 Controversial issues
*6161.1 Guidelines for evaluation and selection of instructional materials

*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.