6141.326

INSTRUCTION

Social Media for Students

The Seymour Board of Education recognizes the importance of social media for its students, and acknowledges that its students have the right under the First Amendment, in certain circumstances, to speak out on matters of public concern. In accordance with the provisions of the First Amendment, the Board will regulate the use of social media by students, including students' personal use of social media, when such use:

1.  interferes, disrupts or undermines the effective operation of the school district;

2.  is used to engage in harassing, defamatory, obscene, abusive, discriminatory or threatening or similarly inappropriate communications;

3.  creates a hostile environment;

4.  violates the law, board policies and/or other school rules and regulations.

The Board of Education, through its Superintendent, will adopt and maintain administrative regulations to implement this policy.

Legal References:  U.S. Constitution, Amend. I

Conn. Constitution, Article I, Sections 3, 4, 14

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-48d

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-51q

Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-182; 53a-183; 53a-250

Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2510 through 2520

Policy Approved:  May 6, 2013

Policy Adopted:  June 3, 2013