5730 - EQUAL ACCESS FOR NONDISTRICT-SPONSORED, STUDENT CLUBS OR ACTIVITIES
The principal shall grant permission for the use of Board facilities by non-school sponsored, student clubs or activities provided that s/he determines that:
the activity has been initiated by students;
attendance at the meeting is voluntary;
no agent or employee of the District will attend (except those assigned to attend in a custodial capacity), or participate in club meetings or activities during their normal working hours; or during the hours s/he is functioning as a staff member;
See Policy 2430 for information on employees wishing to participate in non-District sponsored student clubs or activities during their non-working hours.
the meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of instructional activities in the school;
students are the only individuals that shall direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the activity.
An application for permission for non-school sponsored student clubs or activities to meet on school premises and an application for use of school building facilities shall be made to the principal by students. A student-initiated group granted permission to meet on school premises shall be provided the same rights and access and shall be subject to the same procedures that govern the meetings of student organizations sponsored by this Board, except as provided by this policy. The administrative procedures governing student organizations can be found in Policy 2430 - District-Sponsored Clubs and Activities. Participation in a student-initiated meeting must be available to all students who wish to attend and cannot be denied on the basis of a student's protected characteristics as set forth in Policy 2260 - Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity.
The Board will not permit the use of school facilities by non-school sponsored student clubs or activities or school-sponsored, curriculum-related clubs and activities during instructional hours. During non-instructional time, however, no group of students, regardless of the size of the group, will be denied an opportunity to meet on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the activity.
The Board will not permit the organization of a fraternity, sorority, or secret society. The Superintendent may exclude non-students from directing, controlling, or attending any meetings of students.
The principal may take such actions as may be necessary to maintain order and discipline on school premises and to protect the safety and well-being of students and staff members.
An instructional staff member may be assigned to attend student-initiated meetings or clubs when they take place at school or on District property in a custodial capacity at any time the principal feels it necessary. Staff members acting in a custodial supervisory role assigned to attend this type of student-initiated meeting or club shall not participate in the activity, but may be compensated for their time. No instructional staff member shall be compelled to attend a student-initiated meeting if the content of the speech at the meeting is contrary to his/her beliefs. For the purposes of this policy, "custodial capacity" means the assigned staff member is present to protect District property, during club meetings or club activities. Custodial supervision shall only be available to the club when the club is meeting at the school or on other District-owned property.
The Board is not responsible for custodial supervision or any other type of supervision when the activities of a non-school sponsored student club or activity takes place off school property.
This policy applies to secondary-age students. Primary-age students are not bound by this policy, but should use this policy as a guide when operating clubs in their schools.
Unauthorized presence on school premises is strictly prohibited. All visitors desiring access to school premises must first receive permission from the principal, sign in and out at the school office, and wear a visitor’s nametag while present on school premises. Persons desiring to meet with a teacher or student on school premises must arrange for an appointment. Visitors must further adhere to the requirements set forth in Policy 9150 - School Visitors.
Revised 3/23/04
Revised 4/12/05
Reviewed 3/12/24
Revised 10/15/24
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