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Introduction

DC Virgo Preparatory Academy (DCVPA) recognizes that parents may have concerns about instructional materials used in the school.  Thus, to further involve parents in the education of their children, DCVPA provides opportunities for parents to review instructional materials and a process for parents to use when they object to instructional materials.

Policy Scope

This policy shall apply to all parents and students of DCVPA. For purposes of this policy, every reference to "parent" shall include a parent, legal guardian, or other custodian having charge or control of a student attending the Academy.

Policy

1. Parental Right to Inspect Materials
   
   Parents may review all instructional materials. Instructional materials do not include academic tests or assessments.  Parents who would like to inspect and review instructional materials should make a request in writing to the Principal.  The Principal shall schedule a mutually agreeable date and time for the parent to come into the school to review the materials.  All efforts should be made to schedule the time as soon as possible but no later than 10 business days from the date of the request.  All materials used in reproductive health and safety education shall be available for review.

2. Parental Objection to Materials

   Parents may submit an objection in writing to the principal regarding the use of particular instructional materials.  The Principal may establish a committee to review the objection.  While input from the community may be sought, DCVPA believes professional educators are in the best position to determine whether a particular instructional material is appropriate for the age and maturity of the students and for the subject matter being taught.

3. If the Principal or the committee determines that any material violates constitutional or other legal rights of the parent or student, the Principal or the committee shall either remove the material from instructional use or accommodate the particular student and parent.  Before any material is removed, the Principal or the committee shall ensure that the curriculum is still aligned with current statewide instructional standards and articulated from grade to grade.  If an objection made by a parent or student is not based upon constitutional or legal rights, the Principal or the committee may accommodate the objection after considering the effect on the curriculum; any burden on the school, teacher, or other students that the accommodation would create; and any other relevant factors.  Books and other instructional materials may be removed from the school media collection only for legitimate educational reasons and subject to the limitations of the First Amendment.

4. The decision of the Principal or committee may be appealed to the Dean.

Authority

U.S. Const. amend. I; 20 U.S.C. 1232h; N.C. Const. art. I, § 14; Board of Educ. v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982); G.S. 115C art. 8 pt. 1; 115C-45, -47, -76.25(a)(5), -76.35(b), -76.40, -98, -101

Issued November 1, 2023