COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Distribution of Printed Materials

I. Non-Students

Distribution of printed materials by persons other than employees of or students enrolled in the district will not be permitted in school buildings or on school grounds unless approved by the Director of Human Resource Services in accordance with this regulation.

II. Procedures for Distribution

No student or employee is permitted to distribute any materials in school buildings or on school grounds until and unless the following procedure has been followed:

a. The printed matter will be filed with the Director of Human Resource Services at least one week prior to the distribution date. This copy will be retained.

b. A copy of the printed matter will be stamped, if approved, by the Director of Human Resource Services and returned to the person requesting approval. If the printed matter does not bear this stamp or an authorized letter of approval, it may not be distributed in school buildings or on school grounds.

c. Any person who distributes printed material other than pursuant to this regulation is subject to discipline.

d. This regulation does not apply to printed matter which has already been reviewed by school authorities, such as materials passed out for classroom use, school newspapers, or the like. Nor does it apply to distribution of issues or portions of publications of general circulation in the community, whose authors and publishers have identified themselves therein. Distribution of such materials may be made without filing a copy.

III. Approval Process

Any printed matter submitted for approval by the Director of Human Resource Services shall be reviewed and evaluated in light of the circumstances surrounding the proposed distribution of materials. Distribution of any material will not be approved if the Director of Human Resource Services reasonably foresees that the publication and distribution of the material may substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school procedures. Materials which are slanderous, inflammatory, or contain political endorsements are examples of materials which would likely be disruptive of the school environment. The Director of Human Resource Services shall approve any material which reasonably relates to school or school related activities, or materials which are distributed for the mutual aid or protection of school employees so long as the materials are within the guidelines set forth above. In no event shall the Director of Human Resource Services prevent the distribution of materials if such prevention unlawfully infringes upon student and employee rights to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. The Director of Human Resource Services shall recognize and follow the guidelines of the United States Supreme Court and other pertinent state and federal judicial authorities in determining whether the distribution should be permitted.

In the event that the Director of Human Resource Services does not approve the distribution of the materials, he or she shall immediately notify the student or employee seeking to distribute the materials. The student or employee may then request a review of the Director of Human Resource Service's decision by the Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services. The review may allow the student or employee and the Director of Human Resource Service’s to present arguments as to whether the materials should or should not be distributed. The Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services shall determine as to whether and under what conditions the material shall be distributed.

IV. Time, Place and Manner Restrictions

The distribution of materials will not interfere with school procedure. Accordingly, distribution of the material may be made only under the following circumstances:

a. Any distribution by or to students shall be made outside of classrooms, gymnasiums, auditoriums or other facilities used for teaching students and a times when classes are not in session.

b. Any distribution by or to employees shall be made during nonworking times and solely in nonworking areas.

 

• Revised 4/92, 9/97