| Elk Rapids Schools |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5722 - STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS
The Board of Education may sponsor student publications and productions as a means for students to learn, under adult direction, the rights and responsibilities of the press in a free society.
For purposes of this policy, "publications" include any audio, visual, or written materials such as tapes, banners, films, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, books, web pages (Policy 7540.02), internet productions (Policy 7540), or other like materials. "Productions" include theatrical performances as well as impromptu dramatic presentations, radio/television productions, and any electronic media presentation which represent the School District and the student’s work within the District.
Such publications and productions play a vital role in the school program by:
| A. | Interpreting students and the school to the community; | |
| B. | Serving as a public relations media; | |
| C. | Developing skills in communicating via the mass media; | |
| D. | Developing acceptable methods for preserving the constitutional provision of free speech. |
In sponsoring a student publication or production, the Board is mindful of the fact that the publication could be available to any student attending this school, and must, therefore, generally be suitable for all students.
Issues on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion may be introduced in a school-sponsored publication or production provided equal opportunity is given to present each view.
Advertising may be permitted in school newspapers, yearbooks, programs, etc. which are published by student organizations, provided that any publication intending to include advertising within it shall first obtain permission for such advertising from the principal.
The Board reserves the right to designate and prohibit the distribution of any publications or to designate and prohibit the performance of any production any part of which is not protected by the right of free expression because it violates the rights of others. Such unprotected materials are those which:
| A. | Are grossly prejudicial to an ethnic, religious, racial or other delineated group; | |
| B. | Libel any specific person or persons; | |
| C. | Seek to establish the supremacy of a particular religious denomination, sect or point of view over any other religious denomination, sect or point of view; | |
| D. | Advocate the use or advertise the availability of any substance or material which may reasonably be believed to: |
| 1. | Constitute a direct and substantial danger to health; | ||
| 2. | Contain obscenity or material otherwise deemed to be harmful to impressionable students who may receive them; | ||
| 3. | Incite violence, advocate the use of force or urge the violation of law or school regulations. |
The Board prohibits publications and productions which fail to identify the student or organization responsible for distribution, and/or which solicit funds for nonschool organization or institutions when such solicitations have not been approved by the Superintendent or by the Board.
The decision to publish or produce something shall be made by the advisor and approved by the principal and Superintendent.
Revised 1/8/01