DBS CODE:  6145.3

Instruction

Publications

Student publications are important elements of the instructional program and contribute directly to the accomplishment of the school's goals.  The Board of Education encourages the development of school student publications such as newspapers, annuals, and magazines because they offer an educational activity through which students gain experience in reporting, writing, editing, and understanding responsible journalism.  Such publications also 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 of 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 policies and/or 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 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 Administration reserves the right to edit or delete such student speech which is determined to be inconsistent with the District’s basic educational mission.

The Board recognizes that students have rights to free expression in student publications.  Consequently, student speech shall be limited in officially sponsored student publications only if there is a legitimate pedagogical reason to do so.  The administration shall develop regulations to provide guidance on such legitimate pedagogical reasons.

Legal Reference:   Eisner v Stamford Board of Education, 440 F. 2d 803 (2nd Cir 1971)

Trachtman v Anker, 563 F. 2d 512 (2nd Cir. 1977) cert. denied, 435 U.S. 925 (1978)

Hazelwood School District v. Ruhlmeir, 484 U.S. 260, 108 S Ct 562 (1988)

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

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community Dist., 393 US 503, (1969)

Policy adopted:  January 26, 2009