DISORDER AND DEMONSTRATION

DISORDER AND DEMONSTRATION

po5520Adopted January 1, 2002

5520 - DISORDER AND DEMONSTRATION

The Board of Education recognizes the right of each student to attend school for the purpose of receiving an education. The disruption of the educational program of the schools by disorder or any other purposeful activity will not be countenanced.

For purposes of this policy, disorder shall be any deliberate activity by an individual or a group, whether peaceful or violent, which interferes with the normal operation of the school.

The Board, having the responsibility for providing an educational program for the students of this District, shall have the authority to preserve order for the proper functioning of that program.

Students shall not be disturbed in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble peaceably and to express ideas and opinions, privately or publicly, provided that such exercise does not infringe on the rights of others and does not interfere with the operation of the schools.

Activities which shall be disallowed by the Board include those which:

  1. materially disrupt classwork or provoke substantial disorder or invasion of others’ rights;

  2. involve the use of obscenity or themes considered to be harmful to the normal development of impressionable students;

  3. involve slander or false statements;

  4. are grossly prejudicial in nature;

  5. advocate or encourage use of substances or materials known to be harmful or dangerous;

  6. advocate the use of force or the violation of laws or school regulations;

  7. advertise or sell products or services for unauthorized commercial gain.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the implementation of this policy which:

  1. do not interfere with the peaceful exercise of students’ rights of assembly and free expression;

  2. attempt to resolve conflict and dissent by reason and arbitration;

  3. acquaint students who are expressing dissent of the lawful procedures available to them;

  4. give adequate warning to those students creating disorder of the penalties attendant to their continued disorderly conduct;

  5. summon law enforcement officers when it is necessary to do so to preserve order;

  6. delegate to the building principal the authority to identify and handle disorders in his/her building;

  7. discipline disorderly students in accordance with law and Board policy;

  8. warn staff members that their complicity in support of student disorder may result in disciplinary measures against them.