As July 4th approaches, I鈥檓 reminded most of the . There鈥檚 something to be said for encountering, studying, and thinking about ideas with which we don鈥檛 agree, and I鈥檝e always thought that something to be 鈥渆ducation.鈥� But as many challenges to text and curricula make evident鈥斊鸬愦絩esponded to 64 this year鈥攕ome people don鈥檛 agree.
In fact, public schools and teachers (K-16+) are even if they don鈥檛 agree with it. Because, you see, looking at all sides of an issue and being able to express widely varied opinions are basic democratic principles. And they are that must pervade schools if we are to educate students to become the best citizens of our democracy; educate them to make up their own minds.
The point out,
鈥淎ll students have the right to materials and educational experiences that promote open inquiry, critical thinking, diversity in thought and expression, and respect for others. Denial or restriction of this right is an infringement of intellectual freedom.鈥�