Board Policy: Interference or Disruption of School Activities
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the orderly, safe, and effective operation of the school by prohibiting conduct that interferes with or disrupts school activities, programs, or operations. The School Board affirms the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to learning, teaching, and community engagement.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals on school property or participating in school-sponsored activities, including but not limited to:
- Students
- Parents and guardians
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Visitors and guests
This policy applies during school hours, at school-sponsored events, and in any context where conduct impacts the school environment.
3. Definition of Interference or Disruption
Interference or disruption includes any behavior that materially and substantially impedes or threatens to impede the normal operation of the school or school-sponsored activities. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to:
- Obstructing or interrupting classes, meetings, or school events
- Harassment, intimidation, or threatening behavior toward students, staff, or visitors
- Use of abusive, profane, or inflammatory language that disrupts school operations
- Failure to comply with lawful directives of school personnel
- Unauthorized entry into classrooms, offices, or restricted areas
- Physical altercations or aggressive conduct
- Distribution of materials or use of electronic communications that substantially disrupt school activities
- Repeated or persistent behavior that interferes with the educational process
4. Expectations for Conduct
All individuals on school property or at school-sponsored events are expected to:
- Conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner
- Follow school policies, procedures, and directives from authorized personnel
- Refrain from behavior that disrupts or interferes with school operations
5. Authority of School Administration
The Head of School, Principal, or designee is authorized to take appropriate action to prevent or address interference or disruption, including but not limited to:
- Directing individuals to cease disruptive behavior
- Removing individuals from school property or events
- Restricting future access to school property
- Implementing disciplinary measures in accordance with applicable school policies
When necessary, school administration may contact law enforcement to ensure safety and restore order.
6. Student Discipline
Students who engage in conduct that interferes with or disrupts school activities may be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the school’s student discipline policies, which may include:
- Behavioral interventions
- Detention or suspension
- Loss of privileges
- Expulsion in severe or repeated cases
7. Parent, Guardian, and Visitor Conduct
Parents, guardians, and visitors who engage in disruptive or interfering behavior may be:
- Directed to leave school property
- Barred from future visits or events
- Required to communicate with the school only through designated channels
8. Protection of Rights
Nothing in this policy is intended to unlawfully restrict appropriate expression or lawful participation in school activities. However, expression that materially disrupts school operations or threatens safety is not permitted.
9. Reporting and Documentation
Incidents of interference or disruption shall be documented by school administration. Appropriate records will be maintained in accordance with school policies and applicable laws.
