Student expression made on the school premises or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school, therefore student expression must be responsible. Student expression must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be inappropriate for their level of maturity.
Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsibly done. The expression shall not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, or contain obscenity or indecency. The administration, when making this judgment, shall consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or the prohibition of the student speech is related to an educational purpose.
Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place and manner that is not disruptive to the educational program of the school district.
Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. School district personnel shall be responsible for insuring students expression is in keeping with this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. Amend. I.
Bethal School District v Fraser, 106 S.Ct. 3159 (1986).
New Jersey v T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985).
Tinker v Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Iowa Code §§279.8, 282.3 (1991).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
603.9 Academic Freedom
Approved: 4-13-92
Reviewed: 11-12-18
Revised:
