A decision on a controversy at last night’s meeting of Morongo Unified School District Board of Education turned out to be, well, a little controversial. Reporter David Haldane was there, and explains…
Free speech. That was the crux of a testy discussion at last night’s meeting of the Morongo Unified School District Board of Education. The board voted to update its policy on controversial issues, specifically prohibiting classroom teachers from advocating their personal points of view. But board member Karalee Hargrove dissented on what she said were Constitutional grounds.
“Really what it comes down to is limiting First Amendment rights. I understand that we do have controversial issues, but I think this pushes it a little too far. I want teachers to teach in the least restrictive environment possible.”
The previous policy—last updated in 2001—required only that all sides of an issue be fairly presented.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a tentative contract agreement with classified employees and postponed scheduled salary increases for two assistant superintendents amid allegations that they were inequitable to teachers.
SCHOOL BOARD DISAGREES ON FREE SPEECH AND RAISES FOR ADMINISTRATORS
