5145.2

Students

Freedom of Speech/Expression

The school district shall recognize and protect the rights of student expression. It will balance these rights with the interests of an orderly and efficient educational process and of a school environment suitable for healthy growth and development of all students.

The school district shall assume no responsibility for the contents of any written material produced, posted, circulated or otherwise distributed in accordance with this policy, or of student conduct if such matter or conduct is based on interests other than those of an orderly and efficient educational process and proper school environments.

Printed material produced or distributed on school district property shall be noncommercial, bear the names of at least two students Principally involved in the promotion of this material, and, when applicable, the name of the sponsoring student organization or group. 

Printed material produced or distributed within the confines of school district property shall not:

A.  contain libelous or obscene language;

B.  advocate illegal actions;

C.  contain false statements or innuendoes that would subject any person to hatred, ridicule, contempt, or injury to reputation;

D.  threaten imminent disruption of the school’s educational process;

E.  advocate actions which would endanger student health or safety;

F.  invade the lawful rights of others;

G.  be sold on school property — nor can material which solicits funds or donation be circulated.

Distributors of materials will be held responsible for cleaning up litter  caused by such distribution.

(cf. 1220  Citizens' Advisory Committees)

(cf. 1312  Public Complaints)

(cf. 6144 Controversial Issues)

(cf. 6161 Equipment, Books, and Materials: Provision/Selection)

Legal Reference:  Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, 42 U.S.C.2000-e2(a).

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Policy Guidance (N-915.035) on Current Issues of Sexual Harassment, effective 10/15/88.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 34 CFR Section 106.

Meritor Savings Bank. FSB v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57 (1986)

Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, No. 97-282 (U.S. Supreme Court, June 26, 1998)

Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth, No. 97-569, (U.S. Supreme Court, June 26, 1998)

Gebbser v. Lago Vista Indiana School District, No. 99-1866, (U.S. Supreme Court, June 26, 1998)

Connecticut General Statutes

46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited.

Constitution of the State of Connecticut, Article I, Section 20.

Policy adopted:  2/9/09