5131.9

Students

Gang Activity or Association

Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process.  The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger.  This is contrary to the school environment and educational objectives and creates an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations may occur.

Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.

The Superintendent will establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

The administration will provide service training in gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff identification of students at-risk and promote membership in authorized school groups and/or activities as an alternative.

Legal Reference:  Jeglin v. San Jacinto Unified School District

(827F. Supp. 1459-C.D.Ca. 1993)

Olesen v. Board of Education School District No. 228

(676F. Supp. 820-N.D. Ill. 1987)

Policy adopted:  July 21, 2003