LJWorld.com / Regents approve policy on sexually explicit material

Archive for Thursday, December 18, 2003

December 18, 2003

Topeka — Spurred by a legislative controversy over a sex class taught at Kansas University, state universities now have a policy governing the use of sexually explicit and other controversial material in the classroom.

The Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday approved a policy written by a committee of students, faculty and administrators.

Text of Kansas Board of Regents sexual harassment policy

KU sex class stories

The policy is in response to a budget proviso introduced by Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita. Wagle raised concerns during the session about the teachings of KU professor Dennis Dailey's human sexuality class.

The policy attempts to balance academic freedom with academic responsibility, said Mary Prewitt, counsel to the Board of Regents.

"Students are entitled to an atmosphere conducive to learning and to evenhanded treatment in all aspects of the teacher-student relationship," a portion of the statement reads. "Students should not be forced by the authority inherent in the instructional role to make particular personal choices as to political action or their own social behavior."

In an interview following the vote, Wagle said she wished the policy contained more specifics. She has said she wants the Legislature to review the policy to see if it is adequate.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday's Journal-World.