Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District adopts new policy on teaching controversial issues

 

A new policy regarding instruction on controversial issues has been adopted by Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District trustees and will be in effect when the 24,000 students return to classrooms on the district's 34 campuses Aug.30.

And unlike the split votes on some past hot-button topics, such as banning critical race theory from classroom instruction and matters related to the coronavirus pandemic, the controversial issues policy earned the support of all five elected trustees.

The 520-word policy, which had two readings before final adoption last month, notes that controversial issues “may arouse strong reactions” based on personal values and beliefs.

Therefore, instruction on such topics “shall be relevant to the adopted course of study … and should be designed to develop students' critical thinking skills, ability to discriminate between fact and opinion, respect for others and understanding and tolerance of diverse points of view.”

The policy outlines eight guidelines for instruction, including that topics “be suitable to the age and maturity of the students,” and that instruction addresses all sides of the issue without bias and “without promoting any particular point of view.”

Notably, according to the policy, “a teacher may not advocate his/her personal opinion” and the superintendent or designee “may instruct teachers to refrain from sharing personal views in the classroom on controversial topics.”

Also notably, “Students shall be assured of their right to form and express an opinion without jeopardizing their grades or being subject to discrimination, retaliation or discipline, provided the viewpoint does not constitute harassment, threats, intimidation or bullying or is otherwise unlawful.”

Also included: students shall be informed of the importance of courtesy and respect for opinions of others, and “adequate factual information shall be provided to help students objectively analyze and evaluate the issue and draw their own conclusions.”

Naturally, “instruction shall not reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion or any other basis prohibited by law.”

Guest speakers who make presentations related to a controversial issue will be informed of the policy and “the expectations and goals regarding the instruction.” If guest speakers present just one side of issues, teachers are responsible for ensuring students receive opposing viewpoints.

Parents or guardians are to be notified that they can request in writing to have their students excused from controversial topic instruction, when required by law, such as for sexual health and HIV prevention education.

The policy further states: “A student or parent/guardian with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues should communicate directly with the teacher or principal.”

Yorba Linda City Council sends letter to state opposing housing legislation; Yorba Linda voter turnout tops North County cities

 

Yorba Linda's early history as a city after incorporation was finally achieved in 1967 revolved around keeping the community as a low-density residential enclave in the North County area.

The city's couple thousand voters were unhappy with the first City Council's actions related to density levels, and, by 1972, they had replaced all five of the originally elected members.

For several decades, most of the city's council elections featured candidates who strongly supported what was called a low-density, semi-rural lifestyle backed by zoning regulations.

In fact, according to an oral history interview conducted with the long-serving city manager at the time, early council arguments swirled about the best density levels for the city – 2.0 or 2.5 units per acre.

Of course, times change, and due to state legislation, cities are now forced to create zoning that would allow higher density development, with specified allotments for very low- and low- income households.

Now, Yorba Linda, along with other like-minded cities, is reduced to sending letters opposing similar legislation, including last year's Senate Bill 9, which provides methods to increase the state's housing supply to alleviate California's housing crisis.

The council's most recent letter, approved on a unanimous vote June 21, was sent to Buffy Wicks, who chairs the state Assembly's Housing and Community Development Committee that's now considering AB 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022.

The bill would require cities to ministerially approve certain affordable and mixed-use housing developments in zones where office, retail or parking are the principally permitted use. The approval would be without condition, even if inconsistent with a city's general plan or zoning.

A draft of an opposition letter states, “Eliminating opportunities for public review of housing developments goes against the principles of transparency and public engagement. Public hearings allow members of the community to inform their representatives of their support or concerns.”

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Yorba Linda's voter turnout in the June 7 primary election topped other North County cities at 41.8%, with 20,067 of 47,994 registered voters casting ballots. Most voted by mail, 17,156 or 35.7% of the city's registered votes. Vote center ballots were cast by 2,911 voters, or 6.1% of registered voters.

Democrat Gavin Newsom captured the largest number of votes in the city, with 6,268, and Republican Brian Dahle placed second with 4,690. However, the vote total for all of the Republican candidates in the race easily outdistanced the total for all of the Democrats.

Yorba Linda vote count for the city's representative in Congress: 9,204 for Young Kim, 5,563 for Asif Malmood, 4,248 for Greg Raths and 220 for Nick Taurus. Republican Kim and Democrat Malmood advance to the November general election ballot based on tallies from all cities.