Student Expression Policy

General: Student-produced media are sponsored by the school and must comply with established rules forbidding material that is libelous, obscene or materially disruptive to the educational mission. The school board recognizes that students have a constitutional right to free speech within the limits of those rules and will foster an atmosphere in which responsible free expression is taught and encouraged.

School authority: The faculty adviser will supervise production of student media as part of the curriculum. Advisers and administrators will avoid censorship unless a clear danger exists, and according to the 1969 Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District Supreme Court case, school officials must make a "reasonable forecast" of disruption and cannot base their decision on "undifferentiated fear of apprehension of disturbance." In cases where the appropriateness of content is disputed before broadcast or publication, the disagreement will be referred to a board composed of educators, students and outside parties. The board will be chosen by the principal.

Purpose of student-produced media: Student media are part of the school’s curricula and will be used to teach skills in writing, photography (both still and video), design, advertising, communications and technology. Further, they will provide lessons in civics, media law, history and ethics. Differences of opinions will be used to illustrate both the benefits and practical challenges of a democratic society.

Other expression: The school will have clear policies on the distribution of student literature or other materials on school grounds and on what constitutes prohibited materials. Students have the right to express their ideas provided they do not substantially disrupt educational functions or materially harm others.

Technology: The school recognizes the role of technology in our culture and will provide appropriate information resources to students. Curricula will include instruction on the proper and safe use of online technology and emphasize the role of student responsibility in safeguarding their own privacy and that of others. School computer use will be consistent with the educational mission; copyright laws will not be violated and unauthorized software may not be used on school computers. 

Internet filtering: The school will follow the basic requirements of federal law in regard to Internet filtering and will clearly inform students about the extent and effects of that filtering. It will create a policy for hearing any disputes that arise over the blocking of content.

Internet responsibility: Students accessing the Internet from school property must behave responsibly; irresponsible use is subject to disciplinary action. The following is forbidden:

• Accessing pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material
• Transmitting obscene, abusive, sexually explicit or threatening language
• Vandalizing or disabling the property of another person or organization
• Accessing information without permission
• Using computer equipment in any other way that is inconsistent with board of education policy