Irvine district adopts gift-taking policy

Prompted by a family’s allegation that they were forced to shower teachers with lavish gifts so their autistic son would get the care he needed, Irvine schools trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a policy that encourages students and families to write personal notes and letters of appreciation to district employees instead of giving them presents.

The policy does not forbid Irvine Unified School District teachers and staff to accept gifts but states that they are not required and that district employees should use “sound professional judgment.”

“We don’t entirely want to put the kibosh on gifts that come from the hearts of children and from parents,” said district spokesman Ian Hanigan.

Trustees decided to create a gifts policy after a controversy in which Thomas and Liya Lin alleged they gave diamonds, Coach bags, Chanel perfume and other extravagant gifts at Canyon View Elementary.