Policy 2153 - Non-Curriculum Related Student Groups

Pursuant to the Equal Access Act, the Board authorizes non-curriculum related student groups to meet during non-instructional times (during lunch, before or after school) subject to the approval of the principal. Such approval shall be granted provided that activities of the group are not disruptive to school operations and the members of the group comply with the rules established by the Superintendent and/or school principal. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to develop administrative procedures to create or maintain this “limited open forum.” 

The principal shall approve the non-curriculum related student meeting or activity provided that: 

  1. The meeting is voluntary and initiated by students. 
  2. The school or its staff is not a sponsor of the group. 
  3. The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly operation of the school. 
  4. The students are responsible for the direction, control, and conduct of the meeting. Adults and Non-Richland School District guests must be registered and must not be regular participants. 
  5. The use of school funds is not used for other than incidental and/or monitoring costs. 
  6. The student group has secured a staff volunteer to monitor the meeting. 
  7. The constitutional rights of all persons are respected. 

The principal shall be responsible for the assignment of a room and for the approval and/or assignment of a staff member to monitor the meeting. 

Legal References:

20 U.S.C. 4071-4074 Equal Access Act 
Wash. Const. Art. I, § 11 
Wash. Const. Art. IX, § 4 
 

Cross References:

Policy 1250 - Co-Curricular Program

Adoption:

Adopted: May 28, 2002