4315 Disruptive Behavior DCVPA

An orderly school environment is necessary for teachers to be able to teach and for students to be able to learn. Students are encouraged to participate in efforts to create a safe, orderly and inviting school environment. Students also are entitled to exercise their constitutional right to free speech as part of a stimulating, inviting educational environment. A student's right to free speech will not be infringed upon; however, school officials may place reasonable, constitutional restrictions on time, place and manner in order to preserve a safe, orderly environment.

Principals and teachers have full authority as provided by law to establish and enforce standards and rules as necessary to create orderly schools and classrooms.

Students are prohibited from disrupting teaching, the orderly conduct of school activities, or any other lawful function of the school. The following conduct is illustrative of disruptive behavior and is prohibited:

1. intentional verbal (including cursing) or physical acts that result or have the potential to result in blocking access to school functions or facilities or preventing the convening or continuation of school- related functions;
2. appearance or clothing that (1) violates a reasonable dress code adopted and publicized by the school; (2) is substantially disruptive; (3) is provocative or obscene; or (4) endangers the health or safety of the student or others;
3. possessing or distributing literature or illustrations that significantly disrupt the educational process or that are obscene or unlawful;
4. engaging in behavior that is immoral, indecent, lewd, disreputable or of an overly sexual nature in the school setting;
5. failing to observe established safety rules, standards and regulations, including on buses and in hallways; and
6. interfering with the operation of school buses, including delaying the bus schedule, getting off at an unauthorized stop, and willfully trespassing upon a school bus.

The disciplinary consequences for violations of this policy shall be consistent with Section D of policy 4300, Student Behavior Policies. The Dean or designee shall list in the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for violations of this policy.

Issued: July 12, 2018