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FREE SPEECH AND STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Policy 8.123; Policy 2.122; Policy 2.131, Policy 5.70

The Constitution of the United States guarantees us the right to express our ideas freely. A basic education should prepare
us to do that in responsible ways. We need opportunities to learn how to listen to the views of others, as well as how to
express ourselves peacefully and harmoniously.
Rules
Policy 2.131, Policy 5.70

Students are expected to behave in ways that respect the rights of all. No non-school printed or electronic materials may
be distributed or posted in schools or on school grounds unless permission has been granted by the principal or an
authorized administrator and in designated areas. The following rules apply:

1. Approval must be obtained from a school administrator prior to:
a. handing out or posting non-school materials including petitions and surveys;
b. printing or electronically distributing any school publications, collecting money or selling
advertisements for school publications, and/or distributing any commercial, political, or religious
material on school grounds.
▪ Notices of student non-curricular group meetings posted on general-purpose electronic or other
student bulletin boards do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the School District and/or
the Administration. The District is only offering physical space to such groups per federal law and
does not promote, endorse or otherwise sponsor such materials. Students are encouraged to be
sensitive to the viewpoints and beliefs of their fellow students when posting such notices
(P-2.121).
2. Students may not distribute electronic or printed petitions, surveys or other non-school materials during class
time, unless curriculum-based and authorized by the teacher. Policy-2.131 also states: Distribution locations
on campus shall be designated by the principal and may include, among others, any entrance and exit to the
school and places near the cafeteria. Distribution shall be conducted in an orderly manner and shall not disrupt
the ordinary operation of the school or interfere with free expression by other students.
3. No items or publications shall be distributed or displayed in any school which can:
a. reasonably be interpreted by the principal or supervising administrators as being obscene, lewd, or
pornographic in a school or setting; being libelous or slanderous; containing statements which invade
the personal right of privacy or advertising items not permitted for use by minors; and
b. reasonably be expected to create a material and substantial disruption of normal school activity or
appropriate discipline in the operation of the school; or which advocates violence or illegal activity.
Pornographic materials are not allowed on school grounds.
4. Permission to use District technology resources including online telecommunications and/or networks
requires that the student electronically acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the user’s rights
and responsibilities and parents receive notification from the New and Returning Student Registration Form
they sign each year. (P-8.123)

FY24 Student and Family Handbook 31 | Page