Code Number: 503.15
In tandem with the rights and responsibilities of free expression as determined by state and federal law, , it is the policy of the District to support and encourage student publications, media and theatrical productions, and other expressive activities, as part of the District’s curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the building administrator. Such publications and productions are viewed as an integral part of the District’s curriculum and are not intended to be public forums.
Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications and productions, is not an expression of official school or District policy. The District, the Board, and the employees or officials of the District are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression. Such liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.
Official school publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law. A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.
Anyone who believes they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication should contact the building administrator. Any student who believes their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted should bring their concerns to their faculty advisor and/or the building administrator.
The Superintendent or his/her designee is responsible for distributing the student publications code, reflected in AR 503.15, to students and parents.
- First Adoption:
- 1994-09-13
- Revision Adoption:
- February 9, 1999/ September 23, 2003/ September 9, 2008/ August 8, 2011/ February 8, 2016/ June 22, 2020
- Reviewed Dates:
- May 26, 2020
- Legal Reference:
-
Iowa Code §280.22
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988)
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987)