5650: Student Distribution of Non-School Materials

District Policy 5650

STUDENT DISTRIBUTION OF NON-SCHOOL MATERIALS

1.0       Students shall have the right to distribute non-school materials on school property and at school-sponsored activities or events in accordance with this policy and applicable state and federal law.

2.0       For purposes of this policy, “non-school materials” are defined as documents and other items (regardless of whether such items include written, pictorial, audio, digital or other communicative content) that are not owned by the District, are not used in connection with a District curricular or extracurricular program, and are not otherwise sanctioned by the District or one of its schools.

3.0       The principal or principal’s designee shall have the authority to impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on student distribution of non-school materials as reasonably necessary to ensure that there is no substantial disruption of or interference with school processes.

4.0       Prohibited Distribution. Students are prohibited from distributing non-school materials on school property or at school-sponsored activities or events that in themselves or in the manner they are distributed:

4.1       create or threaten to create substantial disruption of District or school operations, or of any District or school class, program, activity or event;

4.2       create or threaten to create substantial disruption of the learning environment of any District or school class, program, activity or event;

4.3       cause or threaten to cause injury to persons or property;

4.4       are obscene, defamatory or violate any person’s privacy rights; or

4.5       advocate or encourage the violation of any federal, state or local law, or the violation of any District policy or school rule.

5.0       Distribution Approval Process.

5.1       Students who wish to distribute more than ten (10) items or copies of non-school materials on school property or at school-sponsored activities or events must notify the principal or principal’s designee of their request at least three (3) school days in advance of the planned distribution date and provide an example or copy of the non-school materials they wish to distribute.

5.2       The principal or principal’s designee shall respond in writing to such requests within three (3) school days.

5.3       In cases where the non-school materials are not approved for distribution, the principal or principal’s designee shall provide a written explanation of why the materials are not approved under the terms of this policy.

5.4       In cases where the non-school materials are approved for distribution, the principal shall provide written direction regarding the time, place and manner of the distribution.

6.0       Appeals.

6.1       The decision of the principal or principal’s designee to prohibit distribution of non-school materials may be appealed in writing to the responsible Executive Director of Schools who serves the school within ten (10) school days after the decision is made.

6.2       The decision of the Executive Director of Schools shall be final.

7.0       Students who participate in the distribution of non-school materials in violation of this policy may be subject to school disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Most Recent Adoption: April 12, 2023