BP 5131 — Conduct
Section: 5000 - Students
Status: Active
Adopted: 2015-07-28
Revised: 2021-12-16
Policy text
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, or using district transportation.
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:
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Conduct that endangers students, staff, or others, including, but not limited to, physical violence, possession of a firearm or other weapon, and terrorist threats
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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
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Conduct that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment
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Willful defiance of staff’s authority
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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.
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Obscene acts or use of profane, vulgar, or abusive language
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Possession, use, or being under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other prohibited drugs
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Possession or use of a laser pointer, unless for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose
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.
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Use of a cell phone, smart watch, , pager, or other mobile communications device during instructional time or in an unauthorized manner in violation of district policy
Such devices shall be turned off during instructional time, except when being used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose as determined by the teacher or other district employee, and at any other time directed by a district employee. Any device with camera, video, or voice recording function shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.
No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student’s health and the use of which is limited to purposes related to the student’s health.
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Plagiarism or dishonesty on school work or tests
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Wearing of any attire that violates district or school dress codes, including gang-related apparel
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Tardiness or unexcused absence from school
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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, they shall refer the matter to their supervisor or an administrator for further investigation.
When a school official suspects that a search of a student or their 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.
When a student uses any prohibited device or uses a permitted device in an unauthorized manner, a district employee may confiscate the device. The employee shall store the item 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.
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 school activities.
Legal
EDUCATION CODE
200-262.4 Prohibition of discrimination
32280-32289 Comprehensive safety plan
35181 Governing board authority to set policy on responsibilities of students
44807 Duty concerning conduct of students
48900-48925 Suspension and expulsion
51512 Prohibition against electronic listening or recording device in classroom without permission