1311R
1311R Complaints about Instructional Materials
1311
The following procedures shall be employed in handling complaints concerning a textbook, library book or any other instructional materials used within the School District.
1. All complaints or objections concerning textbooks, library books and other instructional material shall be made in writing and directed to the Superintendent of Schools or designee.
2. Upon receipt of the Lakeland Central School District-Reconsideration of Library/Instructional Materials Form (see Appendix), the document through which the complaint or objection is to be made, the Superintendent shall establish a review committee comprised of the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Building Principal, librarian (if applicable), teacher(s) (if applicable) and others deemed appropriate by the Superintendent who will review the objection and report its findings, with recommendation, to the Superintendent within two weeks of receipt.
3. In reviewing the complaint or objection, the committee shall:
- read and examine the challenged material;
- consider the specific objections to the material voiced by the complainant
- weigh the values and faults of the material as a whole, based upon the following criteria:
- is the material pervasively vulgar and/or obscene
- is the book or other material libelous
- is the book or other material suitable (e.g., age appropriate) to at least some students at the building level where the book is shelved or used.
- with regard to library books, be guided by the notion that authors should expect that their right to have their works, once shelved, received by their reading audience will not be abridged based upon personal partisan views, personal political views personal tastes or personal morals. The right to receive ideas must not be unduly suppressed.
- where appropriate, solicit advice or opinion from other District faculty and staff.
2. Upon receipt of the committee’s report, the Superintendent shall, within five (5) calendar days, issue his/her decision, in writing, regarding the disposition of the complaint or objection. The Superintendent shall apply the criteria of this Regulation in making his/her decision.
3. If the complainant is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision, he/she may appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the Board of Education, in writing, within two weeks of receipt of the Superintendent’s determination.
4. The Board shall rule upon the appeal, in writing, within 20 calendar days of receipt of the same, by applying the criteria of this Regulation. The decision of the Board shall be final.