The school district's new policy says teachers shouldn't express personal opinions but can facilitate discussions. Some supporters say the new rule seems more inclusive, but critics say talk about topics like homosexuality should have no place in the classroom.

District leaders are meeting Monday night to discuss a new policy on how staff members should treat a sensitive issue. The district's current policy requires that all staffers remain neutral on subjects of sexual orientation. Critics say that rule leaves students open to bullies and sexual harassment. But a second proposal didn't fare much better after it drew fire from both sides in the debate.

School board members for the Anoka-Hennepin District will delay a final decision on language to guide controversial classroom discussions. The policy would cover how teacher discuss sexual orientation and religion. Officials say they want to nail down some additional details before voting on the plan.

The school district is considering changes to its neutrality policy, which critics say is leaving some kids defenseless to bullies and harassment. A new policy in its place would tell staff members not to bring personal views into classroom conversations. A district spokesman says the new policy would be broader. "It's not saying you can't talk about [controversial topics]."

The district had plans to replace its current policy, which requires that staff stay neutral on topics of sexual orientation, with another set of rules that would ban teachers from advocating their personal beliefs on the subject. But after hearing a outpouring of opposition to the new proposal, the district is headed back to the drawing board again.

The school board voted Monday night to replace a controversial policy with a new one that they say will foster a safer and more tolerant environment for students. Critics say the district's old "neutrality" policy, which restricted teachers from addressing issues such as sexuality, left students at the mercy of bullies.

About 60 people attended a school board meeting Monday night, and those who spoke had nothing good to say. Opponents of the current policy say the district would just be replacing one vague policy with another and also said the word "controversial" could stigmatize gay and lesbian students. Critics on the other side said changing the policy would open the door to "pro-homosexual teaching."

The settlement applies to two lawsuits that claimed the school district failed to protect students from bullying that was based on sexual orientation. The students will receive $270,000 total. The one board member who voted against the settlement resigned after it was approved, saying it sets a bad precedent.