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Policy committee adopts amended Freedom of Speech/Expression policy
Summary
The New London Board of Education Policy Committee approved an amended Policy 5145.2 (Freedom of Speech/Expression) by a 4-0 vote after adopting language recommended by CABE to clarify the district's Printed Materials section.
The New London Board of Education Policy Committee approved an amended Policy 5145.2, Freedom of Speech/Expression, in a 4-0 vote during its April 8, 2025 meeting.
Kristea A. Francolino, Manager of Executive Support Services for the New London School District, told the committee that CABE had reviewed the policy and provided recommended revisions. Francolino read the recommended replacement language for the policy’s Printed Materials section, saying the district should replace the existing sentence "The school district shall assume no responsibility for the contents of any written material produced, posted, circulated or otherwise distributed, or of student conduct, taken in accordance with this policy, insofar as such matter or conduct may relate to any interests other than those of an orderly and efficient educational process and proper school environments" with: "The school district assumes no responsibility for the contents of any written material produced, posted, circulated or otherwise distributed, or of student conduct in accordance with this policy. Through this policy, the district shall make every attempt to balance the rights to free expression with the interests of ensuring an orderly and efficient educational process and proper school environment." Francolino said CABE's legal and policy team would continue to revise the policy and that she would share further updates with the committee if they arrived.
Chair Nathan Caron moved, and Mr. Scott Garbini seconded, to amend the policy using the language recommended by CABE; that motion carried, 4-0. Chair Caron then moved, and Ms. Elaine Maynard-Adams seconded, to approve Policy 5145.2 as amended; that motion also carried, 4-0. Committee members recorded votes in favor from Nathan Caron, Scott Garbini, Elaine Maynard-Adams and Betsy Perkins.
The committee did not record further formal actions at the meeting related to implementation timing or board-level consideration; Francolino indicated she would circulate any subsequent revisions provided by CABE.
