In the wake of an order directed at several Kickapoo High School’s teachers to remove Pride flags from several classrooms, the Springfield Public Schools human resources department sent an email to all SPS staff members on Thursday to provide guidance on speech and conduct regarding political and religious views.
“As we prepare for a successful 2022-2023 school year, which will include two election cycles in November and April, it is important to revisit Board of Education Policy GBCB, which outlines expectations for all SPS employees,” the Aug. 18 email begins. “Per this policy, professional standards prohibit any speech or conduct that represents a personal opinion as the opinion of the district, including the use of district property for such a purpose.”
Earlier this week, the Springfield News-Leader reported on an email sent from Bill Powers, Kickapoo High School principal, to a group of teachers whose classroom decor included Pride flags. The rainbow-colored flag was designed in 1978 by LGBTQ activist Gilbert Baker as a symbol of hope and liberation in the midst of a battle for equal rights in the gay community.
“The support or opposition of social, racial or community movements is not necessarily political in nature; however, care must be taken if engaging in this type of speech or conduct to ensure that no public resources are utilized, appropriate professional relationships are maintained, that engagement is not as a representative of the district, and that no disruption results (or is reasonably likely to result) in the school setting,” the email to staff reads.
The email did not reference the request to remove Pride flags from Kickapoo classrooms, but instead asked staff to consider that prohibited speech was not just limited to spoken or written words, but also included “messages conveyed through attire and items displayed on or using school property.”
SPS spokesman Stephen Hall said Friday that staff members who express concerns, questions or disagreements with directives linked to the policy are expected to address them directly with their supervisors.
“SPS is committed to equitable learning environments that equip all students with the support needed to achieve their full potential. This is reflected in the many ways SPS demonstrates its commitment to underrepresented and under-resourced students, including the presence of equity champions in every building. Board of Education Policy GBCB clearly states that 'employees will not represent their personal opinions as the opinion of the district.' This applies to speech and to the use of district property, including the classroom. When employee conduct does not align with this policy, it is the district’s expectation that supervisors hold team members accountable for maintaining a professional standard. In this circumstance, Dr. Powers acted appropriately to clarify the Board policy. This is essential in order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment and to ensure the focus in the classroom remains on academics. As with all policies, consistency is imperative, and SPS will take steps to clarify expectations ahead of the first day of school. It is also important to note that when an employee disagrees or has concerns with a directive, the professional expectation is for them to address it with their supervisor directly.”
Stephen Hall, SPS spokesman
The full email to SPS staff (Text in bold was bolded in the Aug. 18 email)
SPS Team:
As we prepare for a successful 2022-2023 school year, which will include two election cycles in November and April, it is important to revisit Board of Education Policy GBCB, which outlines expectations for all SPS employees. Per this policy, professional standards prohibit any speech or conduct that represents a personal opinion as the opinion of the district, including the use of district property for such a purpose.
Please Note: Speech is a broad term that is not limited to the spoken or written word, but also includes messages conveyed through attire and items displayed on or using school property.
Speech and conduct within a classroom environment should prevent disruption and ensure the focus remains on academics.
Speech and conduct in the school setting and at school events must be age and school appropriate, lawful for students and must not be disruptive or reasonably likely to become disruptive to the educational environment.
Speech and conduct that take place on school property, at school events or while representing the school must conform to school standards, policies and expectations.
Speech and conduct that take place outside the school setting may also be addressed if it impacts the school environment, results in disruption in the school setting, or substantially impairs the ability of others to access educational opportunities.
Employees cannot espouse political or religious views while representing the school district, whether during the school day, at school events or while otherwise presenting one’s self as a school district employee.
Employees can neither condone nor oppose political or religious views as a representative of the school district. Other types of speech are also limited for employees while in the school setting, such as any speech that represents or promotes activities or products that are unlawful for students, drugs, alcohol, or that would otherwise be disruptive to the educational environment or impair relationships with students, families, colleagues and the community.
Outside the workplace, employees may engage in speech relative to “matters of public concern” just as any other member of society, without concern or fear of retribution. “Matters of personal concern” that negatively impact the school environment can, however, be addressed by the school district as necessary.
Restricted political speech when in the school setting and at school events includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the promotion or diminution of political candidates, support or opposition of political/ballot issues, electioneering and campaigning.
The support or opposition of social, racial or community movements is not necessarily political in nature; however, care must be taken if engaging in this type of speech or conduct to ensure that no public resources are utilized, appropriate professional relationships are maintained, that engagement is not as a representative of the district, and that no disruption results (or is reasonably likely to result) in the school setting.
It is important to note that when employee speech/conduct does not align with this or any other board policy, supervisors will hold team members accountable for maintaining the appropriate professional standards. If an employee disagrees or has concerns with a directive, the professional expectation is for that disagreement or concern to be addressed with their supervisor directly.
