The Board of Education recognizes the right of each student to attend school for the purpose of receiving an education. The disruption of the educational program of the schools by disorder or any other purposeful activity will not be countenanced.

For purposes of this policy, disorder shall be any deliberate activity by an individual or a group, whether peaceful or violent, which interferes with the normal operation of the school.

The Board, having the responsibility for providing an educational program for the students of this District, shall have the authority to preserve order for the proper functioning of that program.

Students shall not be disturbed in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble peaceably and to express ideas and opinions, privately or publicly, provided that such exercise does not infringe on the rights of others and does not interfere with the operation of the schools.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the implementation of this policy.

During a student crisis, the building principal shall remain in charge of the situation. A central office delegation, however, may be at hand to advise and counsel with the building principal. The principal shall serve as the spokesman during the crisis period; s/he should not be eclipsed by the Superintendent or a Board of Education member.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for his/her principals being ready for student disorders; guidelines for student unrest should be thoroughly understood by principals.

Staff personnel must be made aware by principals of a standard procedure for news releases during a period of crisis. The Superintendent will act as information officer for such releases. S/He shall request that members of the news media, particularly television, remain away from any area where a disturbance is in progress. If possible, a room should be made available for press conferences.

Student disorders lead to greatly exaggerated rumors in the community and among staff members in other buildings. As quickly as possible, the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent will notify all principals in the system of the facts surrounding a student disorder. Each principal will take appropriate steps to inform his/her staff immediately.

R.C. 3313.20