5220

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Students shall enjoy the constitutional right of freedom of expression. They shall have the right to express their views in speech, writing, 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.

The Board of Education encourages student publications not only because they offer an educational activity through which students gain experience in reporting, writing, editing, and understanding responsible journalism, but also because they provide an opportunity for students to express their views and a means of communicating both within and beyond the school community.

All student publications 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 designed 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.

In addition, student newspapers and/or publications which are paid for by the school district and/or produced under the direction of a teacher as part of the school curriculum are not considered a public forum. In such cases, the Board reserves the right to edit or delete such student speech which it feels is inconsistent with the district's basic educational mission.

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. No literature may be distributed unless a copy is submitted in advance to the Superintendent of Schools.

The Superintendent shall establish guidelines that are in keeping with the above and shall provide for the review of the content of all student publications prior to their distribution.

Ref: Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 US 260, 108 S Ct 562 1988)

Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 US 675 (1986)

Tinker v. DesMoines Independent Community School Dist., 393 US 503, (1969)

Thomas v. Board of Education, Granville Central School Dist., 607 F 2d 1043 (1979)

Trachtman v. Anker. et al., 563 F 2d 512 (1977)

Eisner v.. Stamford Board of Education, 314 F Supp 832, modf'd. 440 F2d 803 (1971)

Frasca v. Andrew et al., 463 F Supp 1043 (1979)

Matter of Beil and Scariati, 26 EDR 109

Adoption date: January 1, 1993