Reconsideration of Instructional Materials

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Regulation 653-2, “Reconsideration of Instructional Materials,” outlines the process for the reconsideration of challenged instructional materials (except textbooks), such as library books, print material, and electronic media.

Any PWCS instructional employee, current student, or parent or guardian of a student currently enrolled in PWCS can request reconsideration of instructional materials.

Instructional materials may be reconsidered for:

• Recategorization as sexually explicit within the meaning of PWCS Policy 796 and Regulation 796-1, “Sexually Explicit Materials”;
• Removal;
• Restriction to a grade or building level; and/or
• Restoration or expanded access to such materials.

Most challenges to instructional materials must first be discussed at the school level with a school administrator, before moving to the division level. Division-level challenges must be filed with the Supervisor of Library Media Programs and Research using the Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials form.

Before beginning the division-level process, please review the Previously Reconsidered Instructional Materials List section below for a list of instructional materials that are not currently eligible for reconsideration.