Minn. school board could change bullying policy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The school board in Minnesota's largest school district is preparing to vote on a replacement for a policy that requires teachers to stay neutral when issues of sexual orientation come up in class. The policy has been blamed for fostering bullying.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board is set to decide Monday night whether to adopt a proposed "Respectful Learning Environment" policy.

The proposal commits the suburban district to a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. It acknowledges contentious political, religious, social or economic issues may come up in school.

When they do, it says, teachers should not attempt to persuade students to adopt or reject any particular viewpoint on those issues. Instead, they should foster respectful exchanges, and staff should affirm the dignity and self-worth of all students.