| The School Board of Collier County |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5730 - EQUAL ACCESS FOR NONDISTRICT-SPONSORED, STUDENT-INITIATED CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
The School Board will not permit the use of school facilities by nondistrict-sponsored student clubs and activities during instructional hours. During noninstructional time, however, no group of students, regardless of the size of the group, will be denied an opportunity to meet solely on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the activity.
An application for permission for nondistrict-sponsored student clubs and activities to meet on school premises shall be made to the principal, who shall grant permission provided that it is determined:
| A. | the activity has been initiated by students; | |
| B. | attendance at the meeting is voluntary; | |
| C. | a voluntary agent or employee approved by the District will monitor the group; | |
| The designation of a monitor does not constitute sponsorship of the group by the District. | ||
| D. | the approved agent or employee shall not promote, lead, or participate in the meeting; | |
| E. | the meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of instructional activities in the school. |
A student-initiated group granted permission to meet on school premises shall be provided the same rights and access and shall be subject to the same administrative procedures that govern the meetings of student organizations sponsored by this Board, except as provided by this policy. Participation in a student-initiated meeting must be available to all students who wish to attend and cannot be denied on the basis of a student's race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or social or economic status.
The Board will not permit the organization of a fraternity, sorority, or secret society. The Superintendent may exclude nonstudents from directing, controlling, or attending any meetings of students.
An instructional staff member may be assigned to attend a student-initiated meeting in a custodial capacity but shall not participate in the activity. No instructional staff member shall be compelled to attend a student-initiated meeting if the content of the speech at the meeting is contrary to his/her beliefs.
The principal may take such actions as may be necessary to maintain order and discipline on school premises and to protect the safety and well-being of students and staff members.
F.S. 1006.14
20 U.S.C. 4071 et seq., Equal Access Act of 1984
42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq., Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
42 U.S.C. 2000e, Civil Rights Act of 1964