The Board of Education believes that student organizations may reinforce the instructional program, give students practice in democratic self-government and provide social and recreational activities. Student organizations also may serve to honor outstanding student achievement and enhance school spirit and students' sense of belonging.
The Superintendent or designee shall establish criteria and a process for school sponsorship of student clubs.
All such clubs or groups shall have equal access to the school media, including the public address system, the school newspaper, and the school bulletin board, to announce meetings.
In accordance with provisions of the federal Equal Access Act, noncurriculum-related student-initiated groups shall be given equal access to meet on school premises during noninstructional times without regard to their religious, political or philosophical views.
All student clubs or groups shall have equal access to the school media, including the public address system, the school newspaper, and the school bulletin board, to announce meetings. The Superintendent or designee may inform students that certain groups are not school-sponsored.
(cf. 1321 - Solicitation of Funds from and by Students)
(cf. 1325 - Advertising and Promotion)
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 3452 - Student Activity Funds)
(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression: Publications Code)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
52 Designation of secondary schools
53 Designation of high schools
200-262.3 Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex especially:
221.5 Equal opportunity without regard to sex
221.7 School sponsored athletic programs; prohibited sex discrimination
48900 Hazing
48930-48938 Student organizations
48950 Freedom of speech
49020 Athletic programs: Legislative intent
49021 Equal opportunity for male and female students
49022 Apportionment of funds for male and female students
49023 Expenditure of public funds; prohibited sex discrimination
PENAL CODE
245.6 Hazing
627-627.10 Access to school premises
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
2 Definitions
5531 Supervision of extracurricular activities of pupils
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
4071-4074 The Equal Access Act
COURT DECISIONS
Ceniceros v. Board of Trustees of the San Diego Unified School District, (1995) 66 F. 3d 1535
Board of Education of Westside Community School District v. Mergens By and Through Mergens, (1989, 8th Cir.) 867 F.2d 1076, affd. (1990) 496 U.S. 226
Perumal et al v. Saddleback Valley Unified School District, (1988) 198 Cal. App. 3d 64
Student Coalition for Peace v. Lower Merion School District Board of Directors, (1985) 776 F.2d. 431
Hartzell v. Connell, (1984) 35 Cal. 3d 899
Management Resources:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
"Statement of Principles," United States Department of Education, Richard W. Riley, 1995
Policy PETALUMA CITY SCHOOLS
adopted: June 25, 2002 Petaluma, California