Public schools are often impacted by larger, complex issues facing our nation and world. Because our students face these challenges daily, our classrooms naturally serve as a space where they process world events. Our district embraces this as a core component of civic education.

Fostering a culture that honors free speech while maintaining a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment requires a careful balance. The purpose of this webpage is to provide our staff, parents, and community members with a clear understanding of the District's role during student-led demonstrations. While these guidelines cannot predict every scenario, they establish a consistent framework to help our school communities navigate the exercise of free speech safely and respectfully.

California Education Code 48907 protects the right of students to exercise freedom of speech and the press.

EC 48907(a)
"Pupils of the public schools, including charter schools, shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia, and the right of expression in official publications, whether or not the publications or other means of expression are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, except that expression shall be prohibited which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous. Also prohibited shall be material that so incites pupils as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school."

In alignment with state law, DSUSD Board Policy 5145.2 states:

"The Governing Board believes that free inquiry and exchange of ideas are essential parts of a democratic education. The Board respects students’ right to express ideas and opinions, take stands on issues, and support causes, even when such speech is controversial or unpopular."

Controversial Issues

When world events enter the classroom, DSUSD Board Policy 6144 dictates how instruction must be handled:

"The Governing Board recognizes that the district’s educational program may sometimes include instruction related to controversial issues that may arouse strong reactions based on personal values and beliefs, political philosophy, culture, religion, or other influences. Instruction concerning such topics shall be relevant to the adopted course of study and curricular goals and should be designed to develop students’ critical thinking skills, ability to discriminate between fact and opinion, respect for others, and understanding and tolerance of diverse points of view."

It is important to note that staff are expected to ensure that the coverage of controversial issues is objective and neutral, and is not used as an opportunity to advocate for their personal opinions or viewpoint. Further, instruction concerning controversial topics must be relevant to the adopted course of study, develop students’ critical thinking skills, and promote an understanding of diverse points of view.

Student Protest

When students become passionate about a local, national, or world issue, they may choose to express their views through collective action or protest. In these moments, our school administration and staff operate under a strict set of safety and operational guidelines:

• The priority for all staff is the physical and emotional safety of our students. If a student demonstration is anticipated, campus administration is alerted immediately to coordinate safety measures.
• We are equally committed to ensuring a safe, supportive environment for students who choose not to participate in a demonstration. Standard instruction and a secure space are always provided for them.
• School leaders work proactively with student organizers and the district office. Together, the site and district office work with and encourage student leaders to clearly communicate their purpose and desired outcomes, helping them find ways to safely and respectfully express their values without compromising the integrity of the educational day.
• While the district respects student expression, standard school rules still apply.
• For their own safety, students are strongly urged to remain on campus. If students move outside of their classrooms into common areas, staff will actively monitor them to maintain a secure environment.
• Students who leave campus without parental permission during a protest will be marked with an unexcused absence and held accountable in the exact same manner as a student leaving campus without permission on any other day. Parents/guardians will be notified as soon as practicable.
• Because school staff cannot safely supervise students outside of district property, local law enforcement is notified immediately if students choose to leave school grounds.
• Whenever possible, the district will collaborate in advance with local law enforcement to coordinate resources that will ensure student safety should any protests move off campus.
• The role of school staff during a protest is strictly to ensure student safety and supervision. To maintain a viewpoint-neutral environment, staff do not actively participate in, lead, or endorse student protests during the school day.

California State Law & Civic Absences

California Education Code § 48205(a)(12) (enacted via SB 955) allows middle and high school students one excused absence per school year to participate in a civic or political event. To utilize this legally excused absence, the following three criteria must be met:

1. Advance Notification: The student or parent must notify the school ahead of the anticipated absence.
2. Qualifying Events: State law defines valid civic or political events to include voting, poll working, permitted protesting, strikes, public comment, candidate speeches, political forums, and town halls.
3. Frequency Limits: Schools are required to excuse only one school-day-long absence per school year for this purpose. Additional requests are left to the clear discretion of campus administration.

Debrief

Every incident will be debriefed with the school and the district leadership. Comments, feedback, and concerns from our educational partners are valued and assist us in providing an improved response in the future.