School may restrict R movies

The Huntington Beach Union High School District school board moved to restrict the use of R-rated movies in classrooms this week, voting for it as part of a wider set of new educational policies.

Trustees voted 4-0 to adopt the new policy, which needs a second vote at their next meeting Feb. 12 to go into effect. Board Member Bonnie Castrey was not present at the meeting.

Under the policy, teachers would be banned from showing an entire R-rated movie. To show part of an R-rated film, they would have to get parental permission.

It’s not a new rule, said Asst. Supt. of Educational Services Carol Osbrink. It would, however, put the existing policy in writing.

Board President Michael Simons said he thought an explicit policy would help prevent misunderstandings, especially with new teachers and substitutes.

“I think that’s useful, especially since we have a lot of newer teachers who might not know the rules,” he said. “This way, they’ll have guidance they can go to.”

Also part of the policy is a preference that teachers only use such movies for an instructional reason, not just to entertain students. Trustees said that made sense.

“If they’re going to show R-rated material there should be some educational purpose for doing so,” Simons said. “And parents should have some control over what their children are exposed to.”

The move was sparked by a Marina High School parent, Jane Kazor, who complained to the district that her then-15 daughter saw “Chicago,” rated PG-13, and “Little Miss Sunshine,” rated R, in her choir class last year.

The new restrictions would not affect PG-13 movies.