6410

INAPPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR

6410

Since an educated citizenry is essential to good government and can be attained only in an atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning, the board requires the maintenance of good order in the schools.  Reference policy 6400 for disciplinary action.

6410.1

Inappropriate Dress - Principals shall exercise appropriate discretion in implementing this policy, including making reasonable accommodations on the basis of students’ religious beliefs or medical conditions.  Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment.  Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing which is disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive or obscene, or which endangers the health or safety of the student or others is prohibited.  Examples of prohibited dress or appearance include, but are not limited to exposed undergarments; sagging pants; excessively short or tight garments; bare midriff shirts; strapless shirts; attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent or vulgar or that advertise any product or service not permitted by law to minors; head covering of any kind; see-through clothing; attire that exposes cleavage; any adornment such as chains or spikes that reasonably could be perceived as or used as a weapon; and any symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups about which students at a particular school have been notified.  Individual schools are free to specify additional examples of dress or appearance that are prohibited at that school under the terms of this policy.

If a student’s dress or appearance is such that it constitutes a threat to the health or safety of others, distracts the attention of other students or staff from their work, or otherwise violates this dress code, the principal or principal’s designee may require the student to change his or her dress or appearance.  A second or repeated violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

6410.2

Gambling - Students shall not participate in any unauthorized event, action, or statement which relies on chance for the monetary advantage of one participant at the expense of others.

6410.3

Inappropriate Literature and Illustrations - The possession of literature or illustrations which significantly disrupt the educational process or which are obscene is prohibited.

6410.4

Intimidation/Disrespect - Verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that interferes with an individual’s learning environment is prohibited.  Intimidation, bullying, repeated teasing or taunting, or the use of offensive or degrading language including, but not limited to, remarks that demeans a person's race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, intellectual ability or physical attributes are specifically prohibited.

6410.5

Class/Activity Disturbance - Any physical or verbal disturbance which occurs within the learning environment and which interrupts or interferes with teaching or orderly conduct of class/school activities is prohibited.

6410.6

Sexual Activity - No student shall engage in behavior which is indecent, overly affectionate, or of a sexual nature.

6410.7

Noncompliance - Students shall comply with all directions of principals, teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, teacher aides, bus drivers, and all other school personnel who are authorized to give such directions. Including but not limited to:

A.

Repetitive tardies

B.

Skipping class/school

C.

Leaving campus without permission

D.

Being in an unauthorized area

Failure to comply may result in short-term suspension.

6410.8

Inappropriate Language - Cursing or use of vulgar, profane, or obscene language is prohibited.

6410.9

Theft - No student shall steal, attempt to steal, or knowingly be in possession of stolen property.

6410.10

Tobacco - No student shall possess, display, or use any tobacco product. This restriction applies even when the student is on school system property or at any school-sponsored activity as a visitor or spectator.  For the purpose of this policy:

1.

Tobacco Product: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any other items containing or reasonably resembling tobacco or tobacco products.

2.

Tobacco Use: smoking, chewing, dipping, or any other use of tobacco products.

3.

Display:  having any tobacco product in a location or position that is visible to students or school personnel.

The exceptions to this policy are:

A.

The display of tobacco products does not extend to display that has a legitimate instructional or pedagogical purpose and is approved by a teacher or school administrator, and

B.

A principal may permit tobacco products to be included in instructional or   research activities in the school building if the activity is conducted or supervised by the faculty member overseeing the instruction or research and the activity does not involve smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting the tobacco product.

Legal Reference: G.S. 143-595 through –601; 20 USC §§ 7181-7184; G.S. 115C-391 and 478 U.S. 675 Bethel School District v. Frazier (1986)

Cross Reference: Policy 2308/3008/4008

 Adopted: August 9, 1976

 Revised: July 8, 1987

 Revised: May 20, 1991

 Revised: September 21, 1992

 Revised: August 17, 1998

 Revised: February 15, 1999

 Revised: May 30, 2001

 Revised: April 16, 2002

 Revised: May 6, 2003

 Revised: March 2, 2004

 Revised: March 6, 2007

 Revised: October 16, 2007