What Can I Do as a Student?
There are many things you can do as a student to help remove bias from your school.
Support the Coalition
Step one - add your name as a CoDE supporter. This takes two minutes and costs nothing. Supporters can stay informed by joining our email list.
Tell your parents about CoDE
Make sure that your parents know about the Coalition to Defend Education, and get them to join. We are all in this together!
Know your rights as a Student
Did you know that the school district policy on Teaching Controversial Issues gives you specific rights?
This policy sets forth four basic rights of students:
The right to abstain from participating in an educational process that, in their judgment, constitutes an invasion of privacy, or an abridgement of their social or religious belief.
The right to study controversial issues which have political, economic, or social significance on which, at their respective maturity level, students should begin to develop an opinion.
The right to study under competent instruction in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice.
The right to access to all relevant information freely available in the school.
Emotional criticism and the promotion of a cause within the classroom are both inappropriate and unscholarly. The teacher’s attitude, in all matters, should be that of the true scholar which is truth-seeking, open-minded, and tolerant.
You are not required to stay in a class when the subject being taught violates your rights. This policy also defines what a teacher can and can't do in the classroom when it comes to controversial subjects. It will only take you a few minutes to read the whole policy so that you know what is appropriate for you and your teacher. If you see inappropriate behavior by a teacher of school employee, talk to your parents about it.
Talk to your parents about what happens at school.
Many students are in the habit of putting up with teachers who state their personal opinions as fact, no respect for your personal opinions, criticism of your religion, and other inappropriate behavior. This is not right, and it is not acceptable! Tell your parents and tell CoDE when these things happen.
Talk to your friends and invite your friends to join the Coalition
Many students think they can't do anything to fix the situation in your school or that you have to just put up with what happens. That is not true! You don't have to be the "silent majority" in your school any more!
Send an email to your friends by copying this text and paste it into your email message:
If you want to help improve our school, you should join the Coalition to Defend Education. They are working to make sure that teachers' personal opinions are kept out of the classroom. I just joined. Check out their website!
Put a link to the CoDE web site on your blog or web site
If you have a blog, MySpace, FaceBook, or other personal web site, please put a link to the Coalition web site on your site. Click here to get a copy of the CoDE logo. Here is suggested wording for your site:
I joined the COALITION TO DEFEND EDUCATION (CoDE) because I want my school to be safe and free of bias. For more information, visit the CoDE web site: www.defendeducation.org.
Tell your opinion to the principal and school district administration
It's YOUR school, don't be afraid to politely express your frustration and ideas for improvement. Click the button to see all of the email addresses that you need to be heard.
Express your opinion in the Cat Tails
The school newspaper features pieces by students who think it is acceptable for school employees to "teach" their personal opinions. Speak up and let them know that you don't agree!