Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
chapter
Regulations Governing Local School Boards and School Divisions [8 VAC 20 ‑ 720]
Action Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 1/15/2014
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12/20/13  1:10 pm
Commenter: Janice Brunson

Controversial or Sensitive?
 

I strongly oppose this policy, due to the fact that what constitutes “controversial” or “sensitive” is very subjective.  The purpose of literature is to provoke thought and discussion about life, and if everything we allow students to read is “safe”, there will be not much thought or discussion taking place.  We also have to remember that these students will be out in the world in a very short time, encountering all kinds of situations that may be out of their zone of comfort.  If they have had no previous experience with issues that require thought, analysis, and judgment, how can we expect them to navigate this unfamiliar territory?  Through literature, students are able to explore thought provoking content in a supportive environment, where they can be encouraged to think, analyze, compare, and respectfully form their own opinions. 

 

 

 

CommentID: 29748