Caddo Parish panel recommends instructional neutrality policy to full school board

The Caddo Parish School Board Policy Review Committee on Jan. 21 recommended that the full school board consider a proposed instructional neutrality policy intended to give principals and teachers guidance when classroom material could be controversial.

Academic Affairs staff told the committee the policy aims to "provide an educational environment that prioritizes learning, critical thinking, and respect for diverse viewpoints," and said the academic team would provide professional development to support implementation. The staff presenter said the policy "comes from our academic affairs department and staff is recommending it for your discussion and hopefully approval." (Academic Affairs staff, remarks to the committee.)

Committee members asked few substantive questions during the item. A motion to recommend the instructional neutrality policy to the full Caddo Parish School Board was made by Miss McLean; a second was recorded but not identified on the record. Attorney Abrams advised the committee about procedural steps for sending items to the board. Committee discussion included a general interest in ensuring the policy would not be implemented without staff training, and the superintendent indicated staff would work with the board on procedures and rollout.

The committee recorded unanimous consent among members present to include the instructional neutrality recommendation in its motion to the full board. The committee will forward its recommendation to the full Caddo Parish School Board for consideration at a future board meeting.