SCHOOL-SPONSORED STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS | Policy Manual

5722 - SCHOOL-SPONSORED STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS

The School Board sponsors student publications and productions as means by which students learn, under adult direction/supervision, the rights and responsibilities inherent when engaging in the public expression of ideas and information in our democratic society.

For purposes of this policy, "school-sponsored student media" shall include both student publications and productions. School-sponsored student media does not include student expression related to classes that are not directly associated with student publications/productions. The term "publication" shall include distribution, transmission, and dissemination of a student publication, regardless of its medium. "Student publications" shall include any written materials, (including, but not limited to, banners, flyers, posters, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, playbills, yearbooks, literary journals, books, and t-shirts and other school-sponsored clothing).

The "term performance" shall include presentation and broadcast of a student production. "Student productions" shall include vocal, musical, and/or theatrical performance, impromptu dramatic presentation, or any electronic media (including but not listed to radio and television programs, videoblogs ("vlogs"), podcast.

Only Corporation-approved social media (as defined in Bylaw 0100) may be used to host school-sponsored student media, in accordance with Policy 7544. School-sponsored student media also must comply with Policy 7540.02.

For purposes of this policy, "school community" is defined to include students, School Corporation employees (i.e., administrators and professional and classified staff), parent/family members and other individuals who are authorized or otherwise permitted by the Superintendent [end of option] to view a performance or receive directly from the Corporation a publication

The following speech is unprotected and prohibited in all school-sponsored student publications and productions: speech that is defamatory, libelous, obscene or harmful to minors as that term is defined in the Children's Internet Protection Action (CIPA); speech that is reasonably likely to cause substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities or the educational process; speech that infringes upon the privacy or rights of others; speech that violates copyright law; speech that promotes activities, products or services that are unlawful (illegal) as to minors as defined by State or Federal law; and speech that otherwise violates school policy and/or State or Federal law. The Board authorizes the administration to engage in prior review and restraint of school-sponsored publications and productions to prevent the publication or performance of unprotected speech.

Student expression relates to classrooms or educational settings not otherwise directly associated with school-sponsored student publications/productions are nonpublic forums. As nonpublic forums, the content of such student expression can be regulated for legitimate pedagogical school-related reasons. School officials shall routinely and systematically review and, if necessary, restrict the content of these student expressions prior to publication/performance in a reasonable manner that is neutral as to the viewpoint of the speaker.

Nonpublic forum student expression may be published/performed only to members of the school community.

All school-sponsored student media are nonpublic forums. While students may address matters of interest or concern to their readers/viewers, as nonpublic forums, the style and content of the student publications and productions can be regulated for legitimate pedagogical, school-related reasons. School officials shall routinely and systematically review and, if necessary, restrict the type and/or content of all school-sponsored student media prior to publication/performance in a reasonable manner that is neutral as to the viewpoint of the speaker. Legitimate pedagogical concerns are not confined to academic issues but include the teaching by example of the shared values of a civilized social order, which consists of not only independence of thought and frankness of expression but also discipline, courtesy/civility, and respect for authority. School officials may prohibit further speech that is grammatically incorrect, poorly written, inadequately researched, biased or prejudiced, vulgar, profane, or unsuitable for immature audiences.