Student expression, other than student expression in student-produced official school publications, made on the school district premises or under the jurisdiction of the school district or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school district; therefore, student expression must be responsible. Student expression must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.
Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsible. The expression shall not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, be obscene or indecent, or cause a material and substantial disruption to the educational program. The administration, when making this judgment, shall consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers an educational purpose. Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the school district.
Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. Employees shall be responsible for insuring students' expression is in keeping with this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22 .
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities
603.9 Academic Freedom
904.5 Distribution of Materials
Approved: 10-21-96
Reviewed: 6-11-01, 10-10-05, 11-9-09, 1-26-15, 2-22-2021
Revised: