9700- RELATIONS WITH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

It is the policy of the Board of Education that students, staff members, and District facilities not be used for advertising or promoting the interests of any non-school related agency or organization, public or private, without the approval of the District Administrator or and any such approval, granted for whatever cause or group, shall not be construed as an endorsement of said cause or group by this Board.

No non-school affiliated group may use the name, logo, mascot, or any other name which would associate an activity with the District without the specific written permission of the District Administrator. Additionally, no non-school affiliated group may use any assets of the District, including but not limited to facilities, technology, or communication networks without the specific written permission of the District Administrator. 

School District Referendum Advocacy

This policy applies expressly to any outside organization's advocacy concerning School District referenda. Any such organization, whether advocating in favor of or in opposition to a referendum question must clearly identify themselves as independent of the School District and may not, under any circumstances, use School District logos, mascots, slogans, or other such items that are protected by or regularly used and identified with the District. School District officials may not advocate for a position on a referendum in any manner in which such advocacy is in the individual's capacity as a School District official or may reasonably be perceived as such. School District officials may always provide factual information concerning any referendum question.

1. Distribution/Posting of Literature
   
   Non-school affiliated organizations may distribute or post literature on District property either during or after school hours only with advance permission of the principal.
   
   Staff or students may be permitted to distribute literature regarding or on behalf of non-school sponsored organizations or activities, in such a manner as described in this policy and in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with educational activities and is not done in a manner that conveys the message of endorsement or approval of the school or District of the group or message.

2. Prizes/Scholarships/Other Awards
   
   The Board is appreciative of the generosity of organizations that offer scholarships, prizes, or other awards to deserving students in this District.

   In the administration of scholarships, prizes, or other awards, the District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex (including gender status, change of sex, or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.
   
   It will be the District's practice to provide all outside agencies and organizations notification of the nondiscrimination policy in awarding prizes, scholarships, or other aids, benefits, or services.

   In accepting the offer of such scholarships or prizes from non-District entities or persons, the Board directs that these guidelines be observed:

   1. The type of scholarship or prize, the criteria for selection of the winner, and any restrictions upon it shall be approved by the principal.

   2. The principal, together with a committee of staff members designated by the principal, shall be involved in the selection of the recipient and, if agreeable to the sponsoring organization, the selection shall be left entirely to the principal and staff committee.

      The District will periodically review its procedures for awarding scholarships, prizes, and other awards. This review will require that the District's procedure does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or disability in the overall effect of the scholarships, prizes, and other awards given to students.

3. Surveys and Questionnaires
   
   Distribution of Surveys and Questionnaires to Students is governed by Policy 2416 - Surveys, Analyses, Evaluation.

Revised 10/25/17
Revised 2/17/21
Revised 9/15/21
T.C. 8/16/23

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