School-sponsored Organizations

School-sponsored student organizations must be organized at the school, have a certificated advisor, be composed completely of current student body members and be approved by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policy. They shall hold the majority of their meetings at school and have a democratic plan for the selection of members. Organization activities shall not conflict with the authority and responsibilities of school officials.

Limited Open Forum

The Superintendent shall not deny any student-initiated group access to school facilities during noninstructional time on the basis of religious, political, philosophical or any other content to be addressed at such meetings. The Superintendent shall provide for a limited open forum during noninstructional time so that any such meetings do not interfere with regular school activities.

The Superintendent shall insure that student meetings are voluntary, with no direction, control or regular attendance by nonschool persons, and that students leave the meeting place in a clean, orderly and secure condition after their meetings.

School staff shall not promote or participate in these meetings, but may be assigned voluntarily to observe them for purposes of maintaining order and protecting student safety.

Meetings held within the limited open forum shall entail no expenditure of public funds beyond the incidental cost of providing the meeting space. Any announcement of meetings shall clearly state that the group is not sponsored by the school or school staff. Announcements are posted in accordance with Board policy and state law applicable to all students, but students shall not use the school's equipment or public address system to publicize the meetings of groups not sponsored by the school.

All groups seeking approval for use of facilities must submit a written statement of the nature and purpose of the organization and activities.

(cf.1330 - Use of School Facilities & Properties)
(cf.5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

Legal Reference:

Student Coalition for Peace vLowerMerionSchool,( 1985) 776 F .2d 431