Policy No. 3220

Students

 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. The district encourages students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school or otherwise violate this policy. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings.

A. Student Publications

Student publications produced as part of the school's curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as vehicles for instruction and student communication. Although substantively financed and operated by the district, student editors of school-sponsored media are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of the media, consistent with chapter 28A.600.027 RCW. Material appearing in such publications should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent. Controversial issues may be presented provided that they are treated in depth and represent a variety of viewpoints. Such materials may not:

• Be libelous or slanderous;
• Be an unwarranted invasion of privacy;
• Be obscene or profane, such that it would violate federal or state laws, rules or regulations or incites others to violate federal or state laws, rules or regulations, including the standards established by the federal communications act or applicable federal communication commission rules or regulations;
• Cause a substantial disruption of the school;
• Violate district policy or procedure related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or related to the prohibition on discrimination pursuant to RCW 28A.642.010.
• Violate federal or state laws, rules, regulations, or advocate the violation of such laws; or
• Advertise tobacco products, alcohol, illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other prohibited substances or paraphernalia.

The student publications instructor or advisor shall have the primary responsibility for supervising student publications and for assuring that provisions of this policy are met.  The principal may request to review any copy prior to its publication.  Such copy shall be returned to the student editors within 24 hours after it has been submitted for review.

The student publications advisor or the building principal may withhold from publication any student material which does not meet reasonable standards of written English grammar and usage or which does not comply with the standards set forth in this policy.

 

B. Distribution of Materials

Publications or other material written by students may be distributed on school premises in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent. Such procedures may impose limits on the time, place, and manner of distribution including prior authorization for the posting of such material on school property.

Students responsible for the distribution of material which leads to a substantial disruption of school activity or otherwise interferes with school operations shall be subject to corrective action, including suspension or expulsion, consistent with student discipline policies.

Materials shall not be distributed on school grounds by non-students and non-employees of the district.

 

Legal References:

WAC 392-400-215

Student rights

Management Resources:

Policy News, August 2001

A Few Civil Liberty Reminders

Cross Reference:

Board Policy 2340	Religious-Related Activities and Practices
Board Policy 3241	Classroom Management, Corrective Actions and Discipline

 

 

Initially Adopted: September 18, 1986

Adopted: February 8, 2010

Revised:  January 26, 2015

Revised: November 5, 2018