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KPBSD E-Governance
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  • BP 5131.1Bus Conduct
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  • BP 5141Health Care and Emergencies
  • BP 5141.21Administering Medication
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  • BP 5141.41Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault and Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention
  • BP 5141.51At-Risk Students
  • BP 5141.52Suicide Prevention
  • BP 5142Safety
  • BP 5142.3Restraint and Seclusion
  • BP 5144Discipline
  • BP 5144.1Suspension and Expulsion
  • BP 5144.11Due Process
  • BP 5145.11Questioning and Apprehension
  • BP 5145.12Search and Seizure
  • BP 5145.2Freedom of Speech/Expression
  • BP 5145.3Nondiscrimination
  • BP 5145.7Sexual Harassment
  • BP 5146Married/Pregnant/Parenting Students
Policies
Board Policies·5000 Students

BP 5145.2Freedom of Speech/Expression

Policy Details

Status
Active
Cross references
  • BP 1325 Advertising and Promotion
  • BP 5131.43 Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
  • BP 6115 Ceremonies and Observances
  • BP 6141.2 Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs
  • BP 6144 Controversial Issues
  • Publications
BP 6145.3
  • BP 6145.5 Student Organizations and Equal Access
  • BP 6159 Individualized Education Program
    • Adopted
    10/18/2004

    Free inquiry and exchange of ideas are essential parts of a democratic education. The School Board respects students' rights to express ideas and opinions, take stands, and support causes, whether controversial or not, through their speech, their writing, and the printed materials they choose to post or distribute.

    Student liberties of expression shall be limited only as allowed by law in order to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights, health and safety of members of the school community.

    Student free speech extends to religious expression. It is the policy of the Board not to prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in District schools, consistent with guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education and applicable judicial decisions interpreting the religion clauses of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This policy supersedes any other Board policy that is inconsistent with it.

    The Superintendent shall develop due process procedures for resolving disputes regarding student freedom of expression.

    Legal Reference:

    ALASKA STATUTES
    4 AAC 07.10 - 4 AAC 07.900 Student rights and responsibilities

    Breese v. Smith, 501 P.2d 159 (Alaska 1972)

    Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmier , 484U.S.260 (1988)

    Tinker v.Des Moines, 393U.S.503 (1969)

    Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478U.S.675 (1986)

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 9524, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110)