7-404.1 - Students Rights and Responsibilities in Activism and Dissent

Policy 7-404.1

Students Rights and Responsibilities in Activism and Dissent
(Applicable to grades9-12)


The Newtown Board of Education recognizes the students' rights to:

1. Carry or wear buttons, badges, or armbands on school property.
2.Distribute handbills, leaflets, or newspapers at times and in places approved by the principal. The limitation is necessary to prevent interference with an orderly school program.
3. Collect signatures on petitions at times and in places approved by the principal.
4. Seek redress from any decision of the school administration to the Superintendent of Schools. The appeal must be made within a period of five days and the decision rendered within five days thereafter.
In expressing dissent, students may not:
1. Use obscenities in any manner.
2. Practice disruptive activities (sit-ins, strikes, walk-outs, etc.).
3. Issue false statements about persons or organizations.
4. Advocate violation of school policies and regulations.(They may, however, criticize these policies and regulations.)
5. Sell for individual or group profit any papers, handbills, or leaflets on school property.
6. Coerce others or interfere with another's freedom in collecting signatures on petitions.
7. Collect signatures in any class period, library, or study room.
8. Distribute any materials without prior review by the principal. Punishment for violation of these guidelines will be administered by a designated staff member and may range from oral warning/reprimands to detentions, suspension, or expulsion.
Inspiring Each Student to Excel

3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-7600