4J Intranet Site Map

Previous | Table of Contents | Index | Next

Freedom of Expression

Citizens of our country are permitted free expression under the first and fourteenth amendments of the United States Constitution and under Article I, Section 8, of the Oregon Constitution. Students, as citizens, have the right of free ex pression and must also bear the responsibility for the consequences of such expression. Students are entitled to express their personal opinions under all reasonable circumstances, but the use of vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit language undermines one of the school district’s basic missions. Symbolic or actual expression shall not interfere with the freedom of others to express themselves nor shall it substantially disrupt the orderly conduct of the school.

  1. School Publications

    Students are encouraged to participate in the production of school publications. Any publication, which is in any way sponsored or funded by the school, is a school publication. Students may express personal opinions in these publications but shall adhere to the written editorial policies of the school. A school newspaper should reflect the life of the school community. Those students responsible for the publication of a school newspaper must be mindful of this responsibility to the school community. Vulg ar and plainly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit material; knowing or reckless false or libelous statements; and any material that would substantially disrupt classes or other school activities, or is inconsistent with the school’s basic educationa l mission are prohibited from all school publications.


  2. Distribution of Materials


    1. Rights and Responsibilities
      Students have the right to distribute and receive written material from each other. This right, however, also carries responsibilities. Students shall not distribute or display materials that are knowingly or recklessly false or defamatory, vulgar and pla inly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit, or that tend to create an immediate danger or disruption to the orderly operation of school, or urge the violation of the law, or existing attendance regulations, or the provisions of this handbook.

      Materials to be distributed or posted within the school must identify the source of the printed material. Materials that students choose to distribute shall not carry the endorsement or sponsorship of the school.


    2. Commercial and Fund-Raising Activities
      Students shall not distribute or display announcements or advertisements of a commercial nature, or sell materials, or engage in activities to solicit financial contributions without the authorization of school officials.


    3. Time and Place of Distribution
      School officials may designate the time and place for distribution of written information and related materials so that the activity does not materially interfere with the school program. This policy shall also be applied in a manner that encourages respe ct for individuals without regard to disability, race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, cultural background, familial status, physical characteristics, or linguistic charac teristics of a national origin group.

      Local school rules may limit the time of distribution of material, including the circulation of petitions, to periods before school begins, after dismissal, and during lunch time when such limitation is necessary to prevent interference with the school pr ogram. The local school rules may define where distribution of material and circulation of petitions may take place so as to permit the normal flow of traffic within the school.


    4. Student Display Areas

      Each secondary school will provide at least one student display area of reasonable size and prescribe methods to inform students of the board policy and school guidelines for the distribution of literature and the display of material.


    5. Participation in Patriotic Exercises

      Students may refuse to participate in patriotic exercises so long as the manner of such non-participation does not deny other students their rights to participate or does not disrupt the educational process.


    6. Objections to Instructional Materials

      If a student objects on religious or ethical grounds to reading, studying, or discussing any instructional material, the teacher will supply alternative materials without prejudice to the student.


    7. Prohibited Speech

      The use or display of vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit language, threats of harm to persons or property, or language that creates an immediate danger of disruption to the orderly operation of the school, violation of the law, at tendance regulations, or the provisions of this handbook is prohibited.


    8. E-Mail and the Internet (4JNET)

      4JNet is a voice and data network that provides students with access to a wide range of information from throughout the world and allows them to communicate with people worldwide. It is an important source of information that students need to understand and learn to use. 4JNet allows students access to e-mail and to the World Wide Web. Teachers are expected to provide guidance and supervision of students who use 4JNet.

      Complete guidelines for the use of 4JNet are available at schools and on the district’s web page [http://www.4j.lane.edu/4jnet]. District guidelines are summarized below:


      1. E-Mail Accounts: Secondary students may be provided with individual 4JNet e-mail accounts with written parent consent on the district’s 4JNet Student Account Agreement. Generally, elementary students may be granted e-mail access through a class room account requested by a teacher. In certain circumstances, an elementary student may be granted an individual e-mail account at the request of the teacher and the approval of the parent. If the student has been granted a 4JNet e-mail account, the stud ent, who is responsible at all times for its proper use, should never share his or her password with other persons.


      2. Unacceptable Uses of 4JNet: The following uses of 4JNet and the Internet are unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of network privileges, and suspension or expulsion from scho ol.


        • Violation of School Board Policy, District Administrative Rules, or any provision in this handbook;


        • The use of vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit language in any form;


        • Copying commercial software or other material in violation of federal copyright laws;


        • Use of the network for financial gain, commercial activity, or illegal activity;


        • Accessing another person’s individual account without prior consent, or accessing a restricted account without the prior consent of the responsible administrator or teacher; or


        • Sharing of inappropriate materials or their sources with other students or knowingly accessing inappropriate materials. Students should report any inappropriate material they access to a teacher, other staff person, or their parents.


Previous | Table of Contents | Index | Next



4J Home Page | Student Handbook | Site Map | Search 

Please send comments or questions to the 4J Web Team.
200 North Monroe Street - Eugene, Oregon, 97402 Phone: 541-687-3123
Last updated: August 24, 1999
Copyright © 1999 Eugene School District 4J