3220 Freedom of Expression
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The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. Students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises is to be encouraged so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly settings.
The superintendent will develop guidelines assuring that students are able to enjoy free expression of opinion while maintaining orderly conduct of the school.
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. They are operated and substantively financed by the district.
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, obscene or profane; it cause a substantial disruption of the school; invade the privacy of others; demean any race, religion, sex, or ethnic group; advocate the violation of the law; or advertise tobacco products, liquor, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
The superintendent will develop guidelines to implement these standards and will establish procedures for the prompt review of any materials which appear not to comply with the standards.
Distribution of Materials
Publications or other materials 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.
Cross References:
Board Policy 2340 Religious-related Activities and Practices
Board Policy 3241 Classroom management, Discipline and Corrective Actions
Legal References:
WAC 392-400-215 Student Rights
Management Resources:
Policy & Legal News July 2015
ADOPTED: 10/22/1998
REVISED: 11/20/01; 2/22/07; 10/22/15
Procedure No. 3220P Freedom of Expression
Students shall enjoy the privilege of free verbal and written expression providing such expression does not disrupt the operation of the school. The principal shall have the authority to monitor student verbal and written expression. Students who violate the standards for verbal and written expression shall be subject to corrective action or punishment.
For purposes of verbal and written expression, the following guidelines are in effect:- Distribution of written materials or presentation of an oral speech in an assembly or classroom setting may be restricted:
1. where there is evidence which reasonably supports a forecast that the expression is likely to cause material and substantial disruption of, or interference with, school activities, which disruption or interference cannot be prevented by reasonably available, less restrictive means; or,
2. where such expression unduly impinges upon the rights of others.
In order for a student publication or speech to be disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which it would be reasonable to forecast that a clear and present likelihood of an immediate, substantial disruption to normal school activity would occur if the material were published and distributed. Disruption includes, but is not necessarily limited to: student riots: destruction of property; widespread shouting, or boisterous conduct; or substantial student participation in a school boycott, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out or other related form of activity. - Distribution of written material or presentation of an oral speech which is construed to be unsuitable for minors shall not be permitted. Rules for determining unsuitability for minors should be consistent with those as applied to instructional materials.
- Libelous material or speech may be prohibited. Libelous material shall be defined to include defamatory falsehoods about public figures or governmental officials. In order to be libelous, the defamatory falsehood must be made with actual malice; that is, with knowledge that it is false, or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not.
- Material may be considered profane when the language does not meet the standards of professional journalism as evidenced by the daily newspapers commonly distributed in the district. Sanctions may be imposed on a student when they engage in offensively "lewd and indecent speech."
- Publications may not "invade the privacy" of individuals. Such occurrences may include: exploitation of one's personality: publications of one's private affairs with which the public has no legitimate concern; or, wrongful intrusion into one's private activities in a manner that can cause mental suffering, shame, or humiliation to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities.
- Publications or oral speeches which criticize school officials or advocate violation of school rules may be prohibited when there is evidence which supports a forecast that substantial disruption of school may develop.
- Publications or oral speeches which advocate racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice or discrimination or seriously disparage particular racial, religious, or ethnic groups are prohibited.
Student Publications
The student publications instructor or advisor shall have the primary responsibility for supervising student publications and to see that provisions incorporated into the policy and procedures 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.
Any dispute that cannot be resolved at the building level shall be submitted to the superintendent for further consideration. When appropriate, the superintendent shall seek legal counsel. If the complaint cannot be resolved at that level, the board, upon request, shall consider the complaint at its next regular meeting.
While the district believes that students should be encouraged to exercise good judgment in the content of the student publication program, such expressive writing must be in keeping with the school's instructional mission and values. Material must be free of content that: runs counter to the instructional program; invades the privacy of individuals; demeans or otherwise damages individuals or groups; supports the violation of school rules or, is inappropriate for the maturity level of the students.
Such publication activities must also teach respect for the sensitivity of others and standards of civility as well as the elements of responsible journalism. (See Policy No. 3220 - Freedom of Expression.)
Distribution of Materials
Students' constitutional rights of freedom of speech or expression provide for the opportunity to distribute written materials on school premises. However, distribution of materials by students shall not cause disruption of or interference with school activities. Systematic distribution of materials may not occur during instructional time, unless other similar non-instructional activities are permitted. Students will be subject to corrective action or punishment, including suspension or expulsion, depending on the nature of the disruption or interference resulting from distribution of materials.
ADOPTED: 9/24/1992
REVISED: 10/22/98; 11/20/01 - Distribution of written materials or presentation of an oral speech in an assembly or classroom setting may be restricted:
3000 Policies
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QUALIFICATIONS OF ATTENDANCE AND PLACEMENT
3110 Admission and Attendance
3114 Part-time, Home-based, or Off-Campus Students
3115 Students Experiencing Homelessness: Enrollment Rights and Services
3116 Students in Foster Care
3120 Enrollment
3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences
3123 Withdrawal Prior to Graduation
3124 Removal of Student during School Hours
3125 Release of Student during School Day
3126 Child Custody
3131 District Attendance Area Transfers
3140 Release of Resident Students
3141 Nonresident Students
3142 International Exchange Students
3143 District Notification of Juvenile Offenders
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3200 Student Rights and Responsibilities
3205 Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited
3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
3210 Nondiscrimination
3211 Gender-Inclusive Schools
3220 Freedom of Expression
3223 Freedom of Assembly
3224 Student Dress
3225 School-Based Threat Assessment
3226 Interviews and Interrogations of Students on School Premises
3230 Student Privacy and Searches
3231 Students Records
3232 Parent and Student Rights in Administration of Surveys Analysis or Evaluations
3235 Protection of Student Personal Information
3240 Student Conduct Expectations and Reasonable Sanctions
3241 Student Discipline
3242 Closed Campus
3243 Student Driving
3244 Prohibition of Corporal Punishment
3245 Students and Telecommunication Devices
3246 Use of Isolation, Restraint and Other Uses of Reasonable Force
STUDENT WELFARE
3410 Student Health
3412 Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
3413 Student Immunization and Life Threatening Conditions
3414 Infectious Diseases
3415 Accommodating Students with Diabetes
3416 Medication at School
3417 Catheterization
3418 Response to Student Injury or Illness
3419 Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications
3420 Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response
3421 Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Prevention
3422 Student Sports – Concussion, Head Injury and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
3424 Opioid-Related Overdose Reversal
3432 Emergencies
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
3510 Associated Student Bodies
3515 Student Incentives
3520 Student Fees, Fines, Charges
3530 Student Fund Raising Activities Involving Students