Freedom of Expression
by Lupe Kollasch
July 22, 2011
Under the U.S. Constitution, all individuals have the right of freedom of expression. Since student expression made on school premises or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school, such expression must be appropriate to the activity. Students will be allowed freedom to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsibly done. Student expression shall not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, or contain obscenity or indecency.
The administration has the right to determine the time, place and manner in which the expression is to be allowed so that the educational program of the district is not disrupted. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures.
Students shall be free to express themselves in school-sponsored publications except for the following restrictions:
1. Students shall not publish or distribute materials which are obscene, libelous, or slanderous.
2. Students shall not publish or distribute materials which encourage students to commit unlawful acts, violate lawful school regulations, or cause material and/or substantial disruption of the orderly operation ofthe school.
3. Within these guidelines, advisors and student staff shall maintain professional standards of English and journalism when choosing which information to publish in school-sponsored publications.
