Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code   JICED Policy Name   Student Expression Rights Adoption October 12, 2000 Revised             June 29, 2006

This policy is included in the Student Code of Conduct (S11-008).

While students do not shed their constitutional rights when they enter the school or engage in school-related activities, it is the Board of Education’s responsibility to adopt rules reasonably necessary to maintain proper discipline among students and create an effective and safe learning environment.

For purposes of this policy, student expression includes expression in any print or non-print media, including, but not limited to, written, oral, visual, audio, and electronic media in all classrooms and other school-related activities, assignments, and projects.

Students have the right to display the flag of the United States on their person or personal property, and/or property under their temporary control, such as a desk or locker, provided that such display is reasonable and does not disrupt the educational process or cause a safety concern.

Students shall not turn in, present, publish, or distribute any expression, in any print or non-print media, that is obscene, profane, vulgar, libelous, slanderous, defamatory, or otherwise unlawful under state law. In addition, students shall not use any expression that:

       Falsifies information as to any person who is not a public figure or involved in matter of public concern

       Creates a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, the violation of lawful school regulations, or the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school

       Violates the rights of others to privacy

       Threatens violence to property or persons

       Attacks any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national background, or disability

       Tends to create hostility or otherwise disrupt the orderly operation of the educational process

       Advocates illegal acts of any kind, including the use of illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol

Legal Reference:  C.R.S. 22-1-120 (Rights of free expression for public school students)

                           C.R.S. 22-32-109(i)(ii) (Duty to adopt policy regarding reasonable display of U.S.          flag by students)

                           C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(r) (Power to exclude materials that are immoral or pernicious)

                           C.R.S. 27-2-108.5 (Personal display of flag)

Cross Reference: JICDA, Student Code of Conduct

                           JICEC, Student Distribution of Noncurricular Materials

                           JK, Student Discipline, and subcodes