Students are prohibited from making any expressions or distributing or posting any materials which are obscene, libelous or slanderous, or which demonstrably incite students to commit unlawful acts on school premises, violate school rules, or substantially disrupt the school's orderly operation.

All printed matter and petitions distributed, circulated or posted on school property shall bear the name and the address or contact location of the sponsoring organization or individual.

Printed materials or petitions may be distributed only:

1. Before school begins, during lunch time, or after dismissal.
2. In locations that do not obstruct the normal flow of traffic within school or at entrances.
3. Without undue noise.

No student shall use coercion to induce students or any other persons to accept printed matter or to sign petitions. No funds or donations shall be collected for any material distributed.

Students violating any of these regulations are subject to disciplinary action.

(cf. 5144 - Discipline )

Appeals

The following procedures shall be used to address disputes regarding student freedom of expression:

1. The student and faculty member shall first attempt to resolve the problem by themselves.
2. If the student and faculty member are unable to resolve the dispute, the student and/or faculty member may bring the matter to the Principal who shall hear both sides and strive to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.
3. If the Principal is unable to resolve the dispute, the student and/or faculty member may bring the matter to the Superintendent, who shall hear both sides and strive to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.
4. If the Superintendent is unable to resolve the dispute, the student and/or faculty member may ask for a hearing to determine whether a deprivation of freedom of expression was justified under the above regulations. This hearing shall be held before the Board or impartial person(s) appointed by the Board as soon as possible after it is requested. Both sides shall be given an opportunity to demonstrate that Board policy and administrative regulations were properly applied.