Curriculum Challenges in Schools

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting … the right of people … to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Since public schools are part of the government, people have a right to petition schools when they have a grievance about curriculum. This right is exercised with consistency across the country. Once a person petitions a school or district, there is an expectation that challenges will be resolved in a way that is “just.” Americans' sense of fairness is founded on equality in the assignment of rights and duties. Thus, each person who challenges curriculum expects to be treated equally or fairly. The community, in turn, expects public school boards will provide equal treatment and consistency to ...