NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 1140
Northfield, New Jersey
DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS BY STUDENTS AND STAFF
Material being sent home with students should relate to school matters or student-related community activities. Except when it pertains to the individual student, all such material must be approved in advance by the Superintendent of Schools/designee.
There is no district obligation to distribute or post any community group materials. But if a forum is opened up to any category of group (i.e., non-profit, non-partisan, community groups), the Superintendent of Schools will not discriminate against speech or materials on the basis of its viewpoint or religious content.
The determination of the Superintendent of Schools will be viewpoint-neutral in order to provide equal access to “limited public forums” including bulletin boards for notices, tables at back-to-school nights, or hand-outs to students.
The participation of students in disseminating public information materials shall be encouraged with the understanding that:
A. Students shall not be exploited for the benefit of any individual, group, or profit-making organization;
B. Students shall participate only in appropriate situations as approved by the Superintendent of Schools;
C. Students shall participate in fund raising activities for school activities only in accordance with board policy 5136, door to door solicitation is prohibited;
D. Students shall not be used to distribute partisan materials or information pertaining to a school election, budget or bond issue, or negotiations.
All publicity or materials to be disseminated by students shall be presented to the Principal of the school and to the Superintendent of Schools for approval prior to distribution.
No staff member may distribute any materials on school property without prior approval of the Superintendent of Schools. Materials will clearly indicate their source. Non-school-related materials will be plainly labeled, including an express disclaimer that the activity is “not a school-sponsored activity.” Flyers and parental permission slips will be subject to the same review and standards.
All surveys, questionnaires or other similar items requiring student or parent/guardian response shall be reviewed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools prior to distribution. The Superintendent of Schools shall solicit written permission from parents/guardians before students participate in surveys or research that requests personal information as set out in state and federal law.
Adopted: November 18, 1996 NJSBA Review/Update: August 2009; December 2010 Readopted: October 24, 2011
Key Words
Distribution of Materials, Research
Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A:36-34 Written approval required prior to acquisition of certain survey
File Code:1140
| DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS BY | |
| STUDENTS AND STAFF (continued) | |
| information from students | |
| N.J.S.A. 18A:42-4 | Distribution of literature as to candidacy, bond issues, or other |
| public question to be submitted at election; prohibited | |
| N.J.S.A. 19:34-6 | Prohibited actions in polling place on Election Day, exception for |
| simulated voting | |
| N.J.S.A. 19:34-15 | Electioneering within or about polling place; disorderly persons |
| offense | |
34 CFR 98.1 – Student Protection Rights Amendment
Child Evangelism Fellowship of New Jersey. vs. Stafford Township School District, No. 03-1101 (October 2004)
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988)
Possible Cross References: *1100 Communicating with the public
1315 Distribution of materials to students and staff *1322 Contests for students *1330 Use of School Facilities
4135.16 Work stoppages/strikes
4235.16 Work stoppages/strikes *5136 Fund-raising activities *6142.10 Technology *6145.3 Publications
6162.5 Research
*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.