C475 

SCHOOL-SPONSORED PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS 

The School Board may sponsor student publications and productions as a means by which students learn, under adult direction, the rights and responsibilities of public expression in a free society. 

The publications and productions of Western Wayne Schools (“Corporation”) are nonpublic forums and as such are not public forums for the use of non-students or for the expression of values contrary to the values inherent in the curriculum established for students by the Board. 

As the supervisor works with students on productions and publications, the Board, while the ultimate authority, looks to faculty members and administrators to apply the criteria in this Policy to guide them in their work. Administrators and faculty are authorized to exercise broad editorial discretion, which is based upon reasonable educational concerns when evaluating material submitted for inclusion in school-sponsored publications 

Definitions: 

For purposes of this policy, "publications" shall include any audio, visual, or written materials such as tapes, banners, films, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, books, or other like materials. "Productions" shall include theatrical performances as well as impromptu dramatic presentations. Neither term includes works not created for display or distribution. 

Advertising is permitted in school newspapers, yearbooks, programs, etc. which are published by student organizations. Permission should be given by the principal or designee. 

Unacceptable Content of Publications and Productions 

The following is a nonexclusive list of the content that is unacceptable in a curricular or extracurricular student production or publication: 

1. Demeaning or derogatory ethnic, racial, religious, or gender references or stereotypes. 2. Libel, slander, or defamation. 

3. Advocacy of, or opposition to, a religion or religious practice except in a context in which it does not support or endorse a particular religion or religious practice. 

4. Obscene, indecent, or vulgar content that is inconsistent with the values inherent in the curriculum with respect to sexual experiences or practices. 

5. Content which incites, encourages, promotes or assists in preparation for an act of violence, intimidation, harassment, or bullying. 

6. Content which does not identify the author(s) and school curricular or extracurricular activity for which it was prepared.

7. Content which advocates, incites, or advances the preparation for an act or acts which are illegal for minors. 

8. Content which advocates, incites, encourages or advances preparation for an act or acts which are dangerous to the health or welfare of any person. 

9. Content which advocates, incites, encourages or advances preparation for an act or acts capable of damage to property. 

10. Poorly researched or prepared work product that does not represent the best work of the students involved and does not reflect the high standards expected in curricular and extracurricular productions and publications. 

Criteria Not To Be Employed 

The content of a school publication or production shall not be restricted solely because: 1. It supports or opposes an act or failure to act by a governmental entity or public official. 2. It is critical of a Corporation policy or practice. 

Unacceptable Distribution of Acceptable Content. 

Publications and productions containing acceptable content shall not be distributed at a time or in a manner that: 

1. Disrupts a curricular or extracurricular activity. 

2. Restricts the passage of students, employees and visitors through school buildings and facilities. 

3. Causes litter or an unsafe condition in a Corporation school or facility. 

Western Wayne Schools, Wayne County, Indiana 

Revised: October 11, 2010 

Revised: October 9, 2019