Minnesota's Largest School District Proposes Changing Neutrality Policy on Sexual Orientation

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota's largest school district is considering changes to its neutrality policy on sexual orientation.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board is scheduled to hear a proposal Monday to delete the policy, which says such matters are best discussed at home. It would be replaced with one saying teachers and staff will not advocate personal beliefs on controversial topics.

Some current and former students are suing the district over its policy requiring staff to remain neutral when sexual orientation is discussed. The plaintiffs claim that prevents teachers from protecting gay students. The neutrality policy came under criticism after six students committed suicide in the district in less than two years.

District spokesman Brett Johnson says the proposed change is meant to give teachers more clarification and is not in response to the lawsuit.