Student Rights
STUDENT RIGHTS![]() The right of students to freedom of expression shall not be abridged, provided that such right shall not cause any disruption or disorder within the school.
Freedom of expression shall include without limitation, the rights and responsibilities of students, collectively and individually, (a) to express their views through speech and symbols, (b) to write, publish, and disseminate their views, and to assemble peaceably on school property for the purpose of expressing their opinions. Any assembly planned by students during regularly scheduled school hours shall be held only at a time and place approved in advance by the Principal (or designee).No expression made by students in the exercise of such rights shall be deemed an expression of school policy, and no school officials shall be held responsible in any civil or criminal action for any expression made or published by the students.
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FREEDOM OF SPEECH![]() • What a student says may not disrupt the work and discipline of the school in a material or substantial way. • A student’s words may not incite others to disrupt the work or discipline of the school or disobey the laws. • No student speech may be obscene. • Students may not say (slander) or write things about (libel) another person that damage that person’s reputation. • Students may not use fighting words, that is, words which, when spoken to a reasonable person is reasonably certain to produce a violent action. Included in this category would be racial, sexual, ethnic, or religious slurs. |
FREEDOM OF PRESSStudents may express their opinions in publication and other written material as long as it follows standards of good taste. Unofficial or underground publications distributed at school will not be censored so long as they are signed by the author(s), and are not disruptive, defamatory, obscene, or containing “fighting words.”
School reserves the right to regulate the content of “school sponsored express activities.” A posted sign must be approved by the administration, signed by the person who puts it up and must be posted in the designated area in the school.
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FREEDOM OF RELIGIONStudents have the right to be absent from school for observance of the holy days of their religion. Parents/guardians must notify the school office in writing prior to absence.
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SEARCH AND SEIZURE![]() |
RIGHT TO EQUAL EDUCATIONSchool students cannot be prevented or discouraged from participating in any school activity because of race, gender, sexual preference, religion, national origin, or handicap.
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