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From: Drew Cook and Rodney Trice <wcpss-no-reply@wcpss.

net>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2019 8:31 AM
Subject: Teaching Diversity and Respecting Student Privacy

WCPSS Teachers,

As you may have seen through recent media reports, there has been some public discourse
over the past week regarding an assignment at one of our schools. Recognizing that there may
be questions that arise from this issue, we believe it is important to share some information
and guidance that may be helpful to you.

First, please know that we value the efforts of teacher leaders who each day are creating
learning experiences that promote inclusion, honor students’ differences and unique identities,
challenge stereotypes, and ensure that the overall classroom environment is one where every
student feels confident to both have and use their voice as a part of the learning
process. These core beliefs are foundational to the work outlined by our Vision 2020 Strategic
Plan.

We equally value the rights of students to maintain their privacy and engage in conversations of
identity, self, culture, and other personal topics only when they are comfortable doing so and
when appropriate to achieve outcomes outlined in the NC Standard Course of Study.

As we work together to find the balance that honors both of these values, we want to ensure
that we are all operating with full knowledge of guiding principles and laws for our work:

 Lessons should be firmly grounded in the learning objectives for the grade level or
course and be appropriate for the maturity levels and abilities of students.
 Lessons and activities should also respect the privacy of students. Students should not
be asked or encouraged to reveal information about their identity or other sensitive,
personal information. Students should not be asked to complete any surveys without
the approval of the principal and only in compliance with applicable law.
 Federal law (Protection of Pupil Rights) places legal restrictions on any surveys on the
following topics:
 (1) political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent;
 (2) mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
 (3) sex behavior or attitudes;
 (4) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
 (5) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close
family relationships;
 (6) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of
lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
 (7) religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student's parent;
 (8) income.
 As stated in Board Policy 2305 Code of Ethics and Standards for Conduct, teachers “are
responsible for the education of students and also serve as examples and role models to
students”. Appropriate discretion should be exercised when deciding whether or not to
share your own personal information and opinions while carrying out official duties as a
school employee, as outlined in section II-B of Board Policy 2305 R&P (2) and the Code
of Ethics for North Carolina Educators.
 Use of supplemental materials may require approval of the principal or designee prior to
use in the classroom, as outlined in Board Policy 3200 Selection of Instructional
Materials.
We collectively acknowledge that as classroom teachers, you do the most meaningful and
challenging work in our district. It is the goal of our district’s leadership to support you fully in
that work. If there is any doubt about whether a planned classroom activity is appropriate for
classroom use you should consult with your school-based administrators, professional learning
team members, or content specialists at Central Services to support you when you have
questions or when you are incorporating a new resource or strategy.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Drew Cook
WCPSS Assistant Superintendent for Academics

Dr. Rodney Trice


WCPSS Assistant Superintendent for Equity Affairs

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