MEAD, Wash. – The Mead School District has introduced a new policy aimed at defining the boundaries of personal expression for its employees.
The policy, which passed Monday night, covers both online and classroom expression. It includes guidelines on what flags and banners can be displayed.
According to the policy, disciplinary action can be taken if an employee’s expression adversely affects district operations or their job performance.
During the meeting, one person spoke in favor of the policy, suggesting it should be more stringent.
“I don’t think that anybody within a public institution with influence over a children’s mind has the right to bestow upon them their religious or political beliefs. And if there are topics that come up while a teacher may have a personal opinion about that, especially in the realm of politics and religion, that should be referred back to that student’s parents,” they said.
In the classroom, the policy states that decor and displays should support the curriculum and foster an environment where all students feel valued and supported, regardless of their beliefs.
