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Public Statement Endorsement Process for Divisions and Units

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC special interest division. In demonstrating that expertise, divisions may occasionally issue public statements on policy or potential policy issues and must follow the CEC Endorsement Process.

Divisions will either seek CEC endorsement on a statement or apply the public disclaimer with no action from CEC based on disclaimer guidelines. CEC encourages the use of endorsements whenever possible.

To ensure consistency and clarity across all of CEC, divisions in good standing of the Council for Exceptional Children will adhere to the Public Statement Endorsement Process prior to releasing any statement. 

Use of the Public Statement Endorsement Process or any disclaimer statement does not apply to CEC units as they may not express an opinion on federal legislation that is separate from that of CEC.  

DIVISION REQUEST FOR CEC ENDORSEMENT GUIDELINES

In the event that a division seeks CEC endorsement or collaboration on a public statement, the division will send the information below to CEC.  The President and/or Executive Director will respond within 48 hours. If the endorsement is an urgent circumstance, an expedited request can be made. However, if an expedited request is not possible, the division will be notified and the disclaimer statement will be used.

  • A copy of the policy statement
  • Anticipated needs (endorsement/collaboration)
  • Deadline of publication
  • All divisions/organizations/associations signing the statement
  • Contact person for additional information

CEC will respond with one of the following responses:

  • Yes, the public statement is endorsed and published.
  • Endorsement will be granted with changes requested and then published.
  • Endorsement is not given and CEC will provide the reason endorsement will not be given.
  • CEC Disclaimer for Division Public Statements

The endorsement below should be attached to any division public statement endorsed by CEC:

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC special interest division. The views prepared in this publication by [Name of Division] reflect the official policies or positions of the CEC.

PUBLIC STATEMENT DISCLAIMER GUIDELINES

  • Divisions need a disclaimer when:
  • The public statement is about a policy issue or potential policy issue.
  • The public statement makes a recommendation or requests action on a policy at the state or national level.
  • The policy issue or potential policy issue is a sign-on with another organization or association. (Disclaimer is used when sharing on website/social media or press releases, and if applicable, on the public statement.)
  • The public statement is in opposition to the mission and vision of CEC.

The disclaimer below should be attached to any division public statements that have not been endorsed by CEC:

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC special interest division. However, the views prepared in this publication by [Name of Division] may not reflect the official policies or positions of the CEC

Last Updated:  4 September, 2020

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