Policy 2.121

Student Activities in the Schools

1. This policy is intended to implement the Federal Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 4071, et. seq., and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The District believes that it is important for students to learn the meaning and practice of freedom of speech while in school, in order that as future citizens they will appreciate the proper exercise of this vital liberty. In adopting this policy, the District does not forego its authority to maintain an orderly and disciplined school environment. The secondary schools in this District may provide a limited public forum for student groups to meet to engage in speech, subject to the following restrictions.

2. Student activities are the direct responsibility of the principal. The District recognizes two types of school clubs which may meet in school facilities:

1. SCHOOL CURRICULUM RELATED CLUBS. A faculty sponsor will be appointed for school curriculum related clubs and the club will function in accordance with the particular guidelines for sponsored clubs as set forth below:

A student group is curriculum related if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. Subject matter of the group is taught or will be scheduled to be taught, in a regularly offered course;

2. Subject matter of the group concerns the body of courses as a whole - i.e., student government, National Honor Society; French Club

3. Participation in the group is required for a particular course-i.e., band, orchestra;

4. Participation in the group results in academic credit.

2. NON CURRICULUM RELATED CLUBS and STUDENT MEETINGS. The club will function in accordance with the guidelines as set forth below. The principal may appoint a non-participating chaperone to supervise club meetings while on school property.

1. Students shall be permitted to meet during non-instructional time, including before school, after school, during lunch or other non-instructional times. However, no student shall be present at a meeting at time when he or she has a class or is required by school rules to be elsewhere. This includes any time during which the school requires the particular student or all students to be off school property or outside the school building.

2. All meetings shall be student-initiated and open to all students in the school. Student attendance at a meeting shall be voluntary.

3. No meeting may include any activity that is unlawful or that materially and substantially interferes with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school.

4. The content of these student meetings must not sponsored by the school district. The District is to remain neutral as to the content of these meetings, if the meetings comply with paragraphs ii and iii.

5. Students may invite outside speakers to their meetings subject to paragraph ii, iii and iv.

6. If students wish to meet pursuant to this policy, they must file a request to hold a meeting with the principal which states:

1. the room in which they wish to meet and the time during which they will meet;

2. the name of the student who will serve as the contact between the group and the school authorities; and

3. the teacher who will chaperone

4. the nature or purpose of the meeting

3. The teacher selected to chaperone shall not participate in, direct, or control the activities of the club. Failure of the chaperone to observe these limitations will be deemed a violation of this policy and may subject the employee to disciplinary action.

4. The principal shall approve a meeting if it meets the requirements of this policy and shall notify the student contact person of their approval or, if it does not meet the requirements of this policy, the reasons for disapproval must be given within two (2) days of the submission of the request to meet. Once approved, a student group may continue to meet for the remainder of the school year, unless the activities of the club violates this policy.

5. Membership in non-curriculum related student groups shall be voluntary and open to all students;

6. Students who desire such clubs must file a request with the school center principal who shall approve of such groups and meetings as long as the requirements of this Policy are met.

3. Pursuant to § 232.40, Fla. Stat., it shall be unlawful for any student to be a member of, to join or to become a member of or to pledge himself or herself to become a member of any secret fraternity, sorority or group wholly or partly formed from the membership of pupils attending such public schools or to take part in the organization or formation of any such fraternity, sorority or secret society; provided that this shall not be construed to prevent any pupil from belonging to any organization fostered and promoted by the school authorities; or which is first approved and accepted by the school authorities and whose membership is selected on the basis of good character, good scholarship, leadership ability and achievement.

4. Specific extra-curricular activities that involve competition between schools will require that all students meet the District's minimum grade point average required for eligibility.

5. All student clubs, whether curriculum or non-curriculum related, shall have the same access to meeting space, listing in school handbooks, school newspapers, the yearbooks and bulletin boards. Meetings of such groups may be conducted on school premises during non-instructional times.

6. The principal reserves the right to deny access to any student club to conduct activities at the school which are not in accord with the educational mission of this school district.

7. The policy of Palm Beach County schools toward religious and political activities shall be strict neutrality, neither favoring, disfavoring, approving, disapproving, endorsing nor opposing religion or political party.

8. This Policy does not provide any rights of access for the public. Non-student initiated groups may lease the premises pursuant to School Board Policy 7.18. Groups meeting pursuant to these provisions must lease the facilities from the School Board. Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control or regularly attend activities of student groups which are entitled to use school facilities under the Equal Access Act. Nothing in this policy, however, shall serve to limit or discriminate against any particular viewpoints.

9. The Superintendent shall promulgate appropriate Administrative Directives with which to carry out the spirit, intent and clear language of this policy.