Board of Education Policy 7411: Student Freedom of Expression

Students shall have the right to express their views in speech, writing, artwork or through any other medium or form, limited solely by those restrictions imposed on all citizens generally and those specifically applicable to children and youth in a school setting.

Educational activities that involve freedom of expression help students explore and understand divergent points of view.  The Board of Education encourages student expression because it provides an opportunity for students to voice their opinions and beliefs and a means of communication both within and beyond the school community.

All student publications and other forms of expression will comply with the rules for responsible journalism. Libelous statements, unfounded charges and accusations, obscenity, false statements, materials advocating racial or religious prejudice, hatred, violence, the breaking of laws and school regulations, or materials that actually disrupt the educational process or can reasonably be foreseen to disrupt the educational process will not be permitted. Expressions of personal opinion must be clearly identified as such, and bear the name of the author. Opportunity for the expression of opinions differing from those of the student publishers must be provided.

Distribution of Literature

Students have a right to distribute literature on school grounds and in school buildings provided such distribution does not interfere with or disrupt the educational process. The Principal retains the right to review all literature prior to its distribution.

 

 

 

Adopted April 7, 2020