Durango School District 9-R says it is in the process of “fine-tuning” its policies as they relate to the distribution of literature and the use of district property so community members have a better idea of how school grounds can be used for different activities, including politics.
Earlier this year, La Plata County commissioner candidate Jack Turner was denied permission to use school district property to collect ballot signatures. The school district cited its flyer distribution policy in denying him permission, which opened a discussion about 9-R’s policies as they relate to political activities on campus.
Turner was given permission to collect signatures at the high school during his 2020 campaign. But that was done during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when approaching strangers on the street was considered a public health hazard.
Also, 9-R had a different superintendent at the time, and different administrators may interpret and enforce policies differently, said Karla Sluis, spokeswoman for the district.
“We’re focused on learning and education, and that is our primary job in the community,” Sluis said. “Anything that’s a distraction from that, or out of alignment with our mission and values, is something that we choose not to allow in our schools or through our communication channels.”
Sluis said the district is in the process of updating its website so the public has a better understanding of how school buildings and property can be used, as well as how outside literature can be displayed and distributed on school grounds. As it relates to distributing literature on campus, the existing policy considers the educational nature of the information, whether the information is appropriate, whether the information or activity is enriching for students and whether the information is being used to make a profit.
“If we allow one political candidate, in the interest of fairness, we have to invite and allow all the other political candidates, as well,” Sluis said. “Otherwise, it appears that there’s an endorsement among a particular person.”
A portion of the district’s flyer policy says: “All print materials distributed in the schools WILL NOT promote, favor or oppose the candidacy of any candidate for election, adoption of any bond/budget issues or any public question submitted at any general, county, municipal or school election.”
When it comes to political activity on campus, the school district’s facility-use policy says the district has the right to refuse facility rental for any reason. Sluis said the school district does not promote agendas, political affiliation or religion. The facilities policy is in the process of being updated so the rules for using 9-R property are more specific. However, nothing has been finalized.
“It’s going to be the same wording that’s on the flyer policy,” she said. “I don’t see us changing the way we laid out exceptions to the rule.”
Sluis said she wants the policy language to be consistent, so that it’s similar regardless of whether someone is distributing materials or holding events on campus.
When it comes to inside the classroom, controversial political issues are to be discussed ahead of time with the principal and evaluated to see if they fall under the standards for curriculum under 9-R’s policy, which is set by the school board.
The policy also says: “When teaching about controversial issues, teachers may express their personal viewpoints and opinions; however, they also have the obligation to be objective and to impartially present the various sides of an issue. Controversial issues are to be presented with good judgment and in coordination with the building principal, keeping in mind the maturity of the students.”
“I would say that our teachers, their agenda is to teach about politics, not to teach one way or the other, and to give kids a really safe place to decide what they believe. And not force one view or another,” Sluis said. “I mean, that’s the whole point of diversity, equity, inclusion – is that it’s open, right?”
tbrown@durangoherald.com
