Milford, DE — The ACLU of Delaware sent a letter to the Milford Board of Education today raising concerns about proposed Policy 6103, which would propose new standards for controversial/sensitive issues. The policy would require staff to ensure the learning environment is free from items that would create an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.”
Mike Brickner, executive director of the ACLU of Delaware, said, “Milford’s proposed policy would chill the free speech and expression of both students and staff members. A single person could object to teaching of core concepts in history, science, health, or other topics under the guise of being offended. Students could also be targeted for exhibiting different political or religious speech on their clothes or personal items, allowing others to dictate how or whether they express themselves.”
The policy also requires that staff members must present multiple viewpoints on controversial topics.
“Milford’s policy would require that a history teacher who is presenting information about the Holocaust also include lessons about Holocaust denialism or even Nazi ideology. Or a science teacher would need to include information about creationism alongside evolution. While we believe students can and should be free to express multiple viewpoints in the classroom, compelling teachers to present multiple viewpoints—no matter how illegitimate—also violates basic tenets of free speech and expression,” added Brickner.
The school board may vote on the policy as soon as Monday, June 17, 2024.
“Milford should abandon this policy altogether. There are already robust federal protections in place to ensure students are not bullied, harassed, or intimidated. Policy 6103’s insertion of ‘offensive’ concepts will only serve to unconstitutionally chill the First Amendment rights of both students and staff. We urge the school board to reject this policy,” concluded Brickner.
