2075 - Maintaining District Neutrality On Non-School Related Matters

Official Statements

The Chappaqua Central School District will refrain from making official statements or taking positions on political, social, or economic matters that fall outside the purview of the school district's operations and responsibilities.  

Official statements on such external issues have the potential to undermine student inclusivity and invite pressure from community members with divergent perspectives.  By maintaining neutrality on external matters, the District ensures that our efforts remain focused on enhancing the educational environment for our students, and that staff are not distracted from their primary responsibility. 

Communication Guidelines

District leaders are employed for their expertise in education and their ability to support the academic, social, and emotional development of our students.  When speaking or acting in their official capacities, they must focus on issues directly related to the operation of the school district. This focus is essential to maintaining a clear and consistent message that prioritizes the needs and well-being of the students. 

All official communications from the administration, faculty and staff should reflect the District’s commitment to neutrality on external matters.  Personal opinions on matters outside the school district should be clearly distinguished from official District positions and should not be communicated through official District channels.  

Curriculum & Instruction  

The faculty should address political, social, or economic matters with students through age-appropriate curriculum, lessons and materials aligned with the New York State Learning Standards. The District recognizes the importance of appropriate opportunities for student learning and civic engagement.  

If the District believes an external event may impact our students' ability to access learning, District and school leadership will provide faculty with age-appropriate instructional and social-emotional resources and guidance. Resources will also be shared with families by school or District personnel. 

District Sponsored Student Clubs and Equal Access Act Clubs (Cross Reference BOE Policy 5105)

It is unlawful for any public secondary school which receives Federal financial assistance and which has a limited open forum to deny equal access or a fair opportunity to, or discriminate against, any students who wish to conduct a meeting within that limited open forum on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings.  

The following must apply for a meeting of this nature to take place under the Equal Access Act: 

• the meeting is voluntary and student-initiated;
• there is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school or employees;
• employees of the school are present at religious meetings only in a non-participatory capacity;
• the meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school

District sponsored student clubs and Equal Access Act clubs are permitted to co-sponsor events, activities, or fundraisers with outside organizations with the permission of the building principal.  Clubs may not represent the District at an off-campus event without the permission of the building principal.

District clubs and organizations authorized to co-sponsor events with outside organizations that may compromise the District's neutrality on external matters must clearly indicate that the event is not endorsed by the District when publicizing it. District staff attending such events will be present solely to supervise student club members.

Policy Distribution

The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that all District communications and actions align with this policy, while school principals are tasked with ensuring compliance within their respective schools.

Cross-Ref:

Policy 5105 - Student Clubs
Policy 0130 - District Equity Policy
Policy 4060 - Outside Speakers Sponsored by School-Affiliated Organizations: Chappaqua PTA, Greeley Sports Boosters & Friends of Greeley Theater

Adopted by Board of Education: September 10, 2024

REF: Harvard University: Report on Institutional Voice in the University 2024