220-AR. Student Expression

Freedom of Expression

Such expression is the opportunity for each student to express his/her ideas and opinions in a respectful manner in the educational programs of the Springfield Township School District and is encouraged as outlined in the following guidelines. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner which does not slander others. Students who willfully violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action appropriate with the violations, as determined by the principal.

The School Board delegates the authority for school publications to the school principal and faculty sponsors. The sponsor’s responsibility is to ensure that publications meet the intent of the guidelines in this policy and administrative regulations.

School Newspapers and Publications

Materials to be distributed are to be submitted in a timely manner to the principal’s office for review and approval before distribution.

Students have the responsibility to refrain from libel and obscenity, and to observe the rules for responsible journalism. Within these bounds, students have a right and are as free as editors of other newspapers to report the news and to editorialize.

Student run newspapers and publications published with school equipment should be supervised by school officials to remove obscene or libelous material, as well as edit material that would cause a substantial disruption or material interference with school activities. Material may not be censored or restricted simply because it is critical of the school or its administration.

Student run newspapers and publications must be submitted to the building principal at least two (2) school days prior to printing. The principal will review the publication for obscene material, libelous material, and material advocating illegal actions. A decision by the principal will be made one (1) school day prior to printing. If the prescribed time for approval elapses without a decision, the literature shall be considered as authorized for printing and distribution.

Students who are not members of the newspaper staff and other members of the school community should have access to the newspaper pages.

School staff or newspaper staff shall be held responsible for materials which are libelous or obscene, and such publications may be prohibited.

School authorities may prohibit the distribution or dissemination of student-originated material on school grounds only when such material would materially and substantially interrupt the educational process or intrude upon the rights of others.

Students have the right to distribute leaflets, newspapers and other printed material adjacent to school property without any restriction by school authorities. Such material may be submitted to the Superintendent, or his/her designee and the building principal three (3) days prior to distribution for review and approval to be distributed on school property. The Superintendent and principal will reach a decision at least one (1) school day prior to distribution. Before distribution can be denied, the threat of disturbance must be real and not immaterial.

All printed material distributed on school property must bear the name of the sponsoring organization and the name of one individual of such organization. The principal or designee shall examine the material for copyright violations and content which is incompatible with the guidelines herein. Students who distribute material will be responsible for clearing litter resulting from the distribution of any materials.

Should the faculty advisor/sponsor have any question regarding the propriety of any material for publication, he/she should consult with the school principal.

Bulletin Boards

School authorities may restrict the use of certain bulletin boards to school announcements. Bulletin board space will be provided for the use of students and student organizations.

Material which is obscene according to current legal definitions; which is libelous; or which inflames or incites students so as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts or of physical disruption of the orderly operation of the school is prohibited from school bulletin boards.

All items posted by students must be officially dated in the school office to ensure that such material be removed after a reasonable time to assure full access to the bulletin boards.

Buttons, Badges, Other Garments, and Placards

The wearing of buttons, badges, armbands, shirts, hats, other garments, or placards bearing slogans and sayings shall be permitted as another form of expression, unless the message does not conform with the guidelines herein. No faculty member or administrator shall attempt to interfere with this practice on the grounds that the message may be unpopular with the students or faculty.

Student Government

Students who run for or are elected to office have the responsibility to express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner which does not slander others.

Student Appeal

It shall be the right of the student(s) to appeal a disapproval to the Superintendent. After three (3) days the Superintendent or designee will render his/her decision. If the student(s) is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision, a hearing with the Board may be requested. This hearing will occur as soon as schedules permit. The Board’s decision is final.

Provisions Governing School Publications

1. The stories, articles, illustrations and photographs shall:
   1. contain no language which is profane, obscene, offensive or suggestive;
   2. deal with subjects which do not offend the sensibilities or ethical standards of the community;
   3. be written or displayed so that no individual student or faculty member is singled out for censure, criticism or ridicule;
   4. be written or displayed so that no group or individual is singled out for
      censure, criticism or ridicule, although positive suggestions may be made
      in editorial columns or signed letters for the improvement of such group;
   5. be written or displayed so that no religious, racial or national group is held up to ridicule.
2. As a matter of courtesy and as a guarantee of accuracy, all news stories or articles concerning or quoting any faculty member or school organization should be cleared with that faculty member or school organization sponsor; and all stories dealing with a school organization should be cleared with the sponsor of that organization.
3. No story, article, illustration or photograph may covertly or overtly support Communism, Fascism, or any other “ism” alien to the American way of life. No article may covertly or overtly advocate the overthrow of our democratic system of government.

Provisions Regarding Special Kinds of Writing

1. Editorials are always unsigned and, as a matter of newspaper tradition, reflect the opinions of the entire editorial staff, not one individual. They may make constructive suggestions. The school paper may indulge in political controversy or support any one political party, providing it is fair and accurate.
2. Columns of opinion (sports opinion, editorial opinion, literary opinion, etc.) represent the thinking of one individual; as such they must always be signed with the proper name of the student author, who is responsible for such opinions and must conform in all particulars with the provision of this administrative rule.
3. Letters to the editor may be published only after the editorial staff has checked the authenticity of the letters and only when the letters are signed by the sender’s name and conform to the provisions of this administrative rule.
   

Adopted: August 5, 1997