Policy 6145.5 - Student Organizations and Equal Access

Student Organizations and Equal Access

The Board of Education believes that student organizations may reinforce the instructional program, give students practice in democratic self-government and provide social and recreational activities. Student organizations also may serve to honor outstanding student achievement and enhance school spirit and students’ sense of belonging.

The Superintendent or designee shall establish criteria and a process for school sponsorship of student clubs.

Limited Open Forum

All student-initiated groups at secondary schools shall be given equal access to meet on school premises during non-instructional times without regard to their religious, political, philosophical or other speech content.

All student-initiated groups shall have equal access to the school media, including the public address system, the school newspaper and the school bulletin board.

No school shall discriminate against, nor deny equal access or a fair opportunity to meet to any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, or with any other youth group listed as a patriotic society in Title 36 of the United States Code, for reasons based on the membership or leadership criteria or oath of allegiance to God and country.

Rule 6145.5

School Sponsorship

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 or designee in accordance with Board of Education policy. They shall hold the majority of their meetings at school and have a democratic plan for the selection of officers. Organization activities shall not conflict with the authority and responsibilities of school officials.

The principal or designee shall direct any group of students seeking recognition as a student organization to submit a district-approved application form that includes the following information:

1. Name of the organization and names of student contacts
2. A statement of the organization’s purposes, objectives and activities
3. Name of staff sponsor, and a description of the function of staff advisor in the promotion, supervision and leadership of the group. The principal shall have final authority in determining the assignment and role of the staff advisor.
4. The proposed dates, times, and location of meetings
5. Any special equipment to be used
6. A description of the qualifications for membership, if any
7. If a curriculum-related group, a statement of the relation of the club to the curriculum and/or instructional program

The principal or designee shall establish school rules governing the meetings of curriculum-related groups. Such rules may vary depending on the circumstances that apply, such as whether or not academic credit is given for participation in the group.

School staff may be assigned voluntarily to observe meetings for purposes of maintaining order and protecting student safety. Students shall leave the meeting place in a clean, orderly and secure condition after their meetings.

The Superintendent may deny the use of facilities to any groups that he/she believes will disrupt the school program or threaten the health and safety of students and staff.

Hazing

No student shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student. Persons violating this regulation shall be subject to district discipline and penalties specified in law.