STATEMENT OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR STUDENT PERSONNEL
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Each student has the opportunity and the right to use school as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, he or she is expected to conduct his or her affairs in such a way as to assure other students the same opportunities without serving to restrict or otherwise inhibit their individual and collective rights.
Of equal importance is the right of school authorities to prescribe and control--consistent with fundamental and constitutional safeguards--student conduct in the schools.
In exercising this right, each building principal, working with his staff and with the students, will attempt to achieve the objectives and follow the procedures set forth by Board policies and administrative regulations pertaining to the various aspects of student right, student conduct, and student discipline.
Objective to be Achieved
The primary objective is the proper recognition and preservation of a student's constitutional rights and allowance for such rights:
•Freedom of Expression - Students may freely express their points of view provided they do not seek to coerce others to join in their mode of expression and provided also that they do not otherwise intrude upon the rights of others during school hours.
•Personal Appearance - Restrictions on a student's hair style or his manner of dress will be determined where there is a "clear and present danger to the student's health and safety, causes an interference with work, or creates classroom or school disorder" as a result of such hair style or manner of dress. Participation in voluntary activities may necessitate specific requirements for approved grooming and dress due to the nature of the activity.
•The Right to Petition - Students are allowed to present petitions to the administration at any time. Collecting of signatures on petitions is limited to before and after school hours. No student will be subjected to disciplinary measures of any nature for signing a petition addressed to the administration--assuming that the petition is free of obscenities, libelous statements, personal attack, advocation of disruption which poses a probable threat of disruption to the regular school program, and is within the bounds of reasonable conduct.
•Student Due Process Rights - Students are to have clearly established means by which "administrative due process" is available to see that the individual's rights are protected. Students are to be involved, singly and collectively, as citizens of the school with the attendant rights of such citizenship and corresponding responsibilities for the proper conduct of their own affairs and those of other students.
Legal References: Constitution of Iowa, Art. I, Sec. 9
Cross References: 502 Students Rights & Responsibilities
502.9 Search and Seizure
502.6 Interviews with Students
602.1 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex and Handicap
Adopted: November 11, 1985
Reviewed: March 1998
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
OBJECTIVES FOR EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
This series of the board policy manual is devoted to the board's goals and objectives for assisting the students of the school district in obtaining an education. Each student will have an opportunity to obtain an education in compliance with the policies in this series.
It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use it and its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunity.
The board supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, or creed. This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.
In the delivery of the education program, students will treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return. Employees have the best interests of the students in mind and will assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so. Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with the guidance counselor or other employees.
Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.
Board policy refers to the term "parents" in many of the policies. The term parents for purposes of this policy manual means the legal parents, the legal guardian or custodian of a student, and students who have reached the age of majority or are otherwise considered an adult by law.
Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District, Sanborn, Iowa 51248; or by telephoning 712-930-3281.
Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO. 64114 (816) 268-0550, http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html or Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA. (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.
Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.
Approved: February 17, 2003
Reviewed: September, 2006
December 17, 2012
Revised: January 22, 2013