5131 BP - Conduct

Students  
Board Policy No.  5131
Policy adopted:  December 12, 2019

CONDUCT

The Governing Board believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions.  Students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program while on school grounds, going to or coming from school, at school activities, on or using district transportation.

(cf. 5131.1 - Bus Conduct)

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each school develops standards of conduct and discipline consistent with Board policies and administrative regulations.   Students and parents/guardians shall be notified of district and school rules related to conduct.

Prohibited student conduct includes but is not limited to:

1.         Conduct that endangers students, staff or others, including but not limited to, physical violence, possession of a firearm or other weapon, and terrorist threats

(cf. 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)

2.         Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students or staff, including sexual harassment, hate-motivated behavior, cyberbullying, hazing or initiation activity, extortion, or any other verbal, written, or physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause violence, bodily harm, or substantial disruption

3.         Conduct that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment

4.         Willful defiance of staff’s authority

5.         Damage to or theft of property belonging to students, staff, or the district

            The district shall not be responsible for students’ personal belongings, which are brought on campus or to a school activity and are lost, stolen, or damaged.

6.         Obscene acts or use of profane, vulgar or abusive language

7.         Possession, use, or being under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other prohibited drugs

8.         Possession or use of a laser pointer, unless for valid instructional or other school-related purpose (Penal Code 417.27)

            Prior to bringing a laser pointer on school premises for a valid instructional or school-related purpose, a student shall obtain permission from the principal or designee.

9.         Use of cellular/digital telephone, pager, or other mobile communications device during instructional time or in an unauthorized manner in violation of district policy  

10.       Plagiarism or dishonesty on school work or tests

11.       Wearing of any attire that violates district or school dress codes, including gang-related apparel 

12.       Tardiness and unexcused absence from school

(cf. 5113 - Absences and Excuses

(cf. 5113.1 - Truancy)

13.       Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules

Employees are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or receive a report of a violation of these standards, to immediately intervene or call for assistance.  If an employee believes a matter has not been resolved, he/she shall refer the matter to his/her supervisor or an administrator for further investigation.

When a school official suspects that a search of a student or his/her belongings will turn up evidence of the student's violation of the law or school rules, such a search shall be conducted in accordance with BP/AR 5145.12 - Search and Seizure.

(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)

When a student uses any prohibited device, or uses a permitted device in any unethical or illegal activity, a district employee may confiscate the device. The employee shall store the device securely until it is returned to the student or turned over to the principal or designee, as appropriate.

Students who violate district or school rules and regulations may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, transfer to alternative programs, referral to a student success team or counseling services, or denial of participation in extracurricular or cocurricular activities or other privileges in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation. The Superintendent or designee shall notify local law enforcement as appropriate.

(cf. 5020 - Parent Rights and Responsibilities)

(cf.5144 - Discipline)

(cf.5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)

(cf.5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Students with Disabilities)

(cf.6020 -Parent Involvement)

Students also may be subject to discipline, in accordance with law, Board policy or administrative regulation, for any off-campus conduct during nonschool hours, which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property, or substantially disrupts the school activities. 

Legal Reference:


EDUCATION CODE
32050  Hazing
35181  Governing board policy on responsibilities of students
35291-35291.5  Rules
44807  Duty concerning conduct of students
48900-48925  Suspension or expulsion, especially:
51512  Prohibition against electronic listening or recording device in classroom without permission

CIVIL CODE

1714.1  Liability of parents and guardians for willful misconduct of minor

PENAL CODE

288.2  Harmful matter with intent to seduce

313  Harmful matter

417.25-417.27  Laser scope or laser pointer

647  Use of camera or other instrument to invade person's privacy; misdemeanor

653.2  Electronic communication devices, threats to safety

New Jersey v. T.L.O., (1985) 469 U.S. 325

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, (1969) 393 U.S. 503

 

 

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