At the principal's discretion, staff may use the following techniques to discourage the influence of gangs:
1. Any student wearing or carrying overt gang paraphernalia or making gestures that symbolize gang membership shall be referred to the principal or designee. The student's parent/guardian shall be contacted and the student sent home to change clothes if necessary.
2. Any gang graffiti on school premises shall be quietly removed, washed down or painted over as soon as discovered.
3. Classroom and after-school programs at each school shall be designed to enhance individual self-esteem, provide positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior, and foster interest in a variety of wholesome activities.
4. Staff shall actively promote membership in authorized student organizations which can provide students companionship, safety, and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Gang Prevention Education
Gang prevention instruction offered in the schools shall:
1. Explain the dangers of gang membership.
2. Include lessons or role-playing workshops in nonviolent conflict resolution and gang avoidance skills.
3. Promote constructive activities available in the community.
4. Involve students in structured, goal-oriented community service projects.
5. Encourage positive school behavior.
Gang prevention lessons may be taught jointly by teachers and law enforcement staff.
Community Outreach
Gang prevention classes or counseling offered for parents/guardians, staff and community shall address the following topics:
1. The dangers of gang membership.
2. The nature of local gang apparel and graffiti.
3. Ways to deal effectively with one's children.
4. Warning signs which may indicate that children are at risk of becoming involved with gangs.
5. The scope and nature of local gang problems.
6. Ways that each segment of the community can help to alleviate these problems.
Intervention Measures
Staff shall make every effort to assimilate gang-oriented students into mainstream programs. To this end:
1. Staff members shall be provided with the names of known gang members.
2. Classroom teachers shall try and assign individual gang-oriented students to cooperative learning groups.
3. Students who seek help in rejecting gang associations may be referred to community-based gang prevention organizations.
Regulation HOPE SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: July, 1992 Santa Barbara, California