The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) fosters excellence for every learner and recognizes that academic success depends on a safe school environment that protects the rights of all students. As an organization, we value the freedoms protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In a school setting, the freedom of speech and expression is applied to academic freedom, including the freedom to read a diverse set of materials that provide support and enrichment for the general educational and program goals.
Each year, teachers, librarians and schools across the country face challenges to books and other instructional materials for a variety of reasons: race, religion, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, suicide, violence and others. It is important for districts to offer professional guidelines for the selection of reading materials.
This document provides guidance to school districts, administrators, educators, and parents when a challenge to instructional materials is presented.