Portland Teachers Union Pushes Back Against Policy That Bans ‘Political or Personal’ Classroom Displays

Portland Public Schools established a new policy in August that bans teachers from displaying political or personal messaging in the classroom. Irate about the policy, the teachers union filed a grievance with the school district, calling the guidance “unworkable” and an impediment on academic freedom.

Since the new guidance was an administrative directive, it did not require approval from the school board or a public vote. According to the policy, the items displayed on classroom walls and bulletin boards must be associated with approved curriculum or district-sponsored events.

“At all times, students and staff in our buildings should feel safe and be provided an educational environment in which they can learn, teach, and thrive, especially when discussing or experiencing complex and difficult topics. Classrooms and other physical spaces are for teaching and learning the PPS curriculum and displaying items that are consistent with that work,” the directive states.

“Content on classroom walls, bulletin boards or otherwise displayed in the classroom must be related to the curriculum or district-sponsored [events],” it continues. “Those spaces cannot be used for an employee’s personal expression whether that is related to a political or personal issue.” […]

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