The Board is committed to insuring a safe and orderly environment, where learning and teaching may occur void of physical or psychological disruptions, unlawful acts, or violations of school regulations. Gang activities create an atmosphere of intimidation in the entire school community. Both the immediate consequences of gang activity and the secondary effects are disruptive and obstructive to the process of education and school activities. Groups of individuals which meet the definition of gangs, defined below, shall be restricted from school grounds or school activities.
A gang is defined as any group of two (2) or more persons, whether formal or informal, who associate together to advocate, conspire, or commit:
- One or more criminal acts; or
- Acts which threaten the safety or well-being of property or persons, including, but not limited to, harassment and intimidation. Students on school property or at any school-sponsored activity shall not:
- Wear, possess, use, distribute, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other items which are evidence of membership in or affiliation with any gang and/or representative of any gang;
- Engage in any act, whether verbal or nonverbal, including gestures or handshakes, showing membership in or affiliation with any gang and/or that is representative of any gang; or
- Engage in any act furthering the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to:
- Soliciting membership in or affiliation with any gang;
- Soliciting any person to pay for protection or threatening another person, explicitly or implicitly, with violence or with any other illegal or prohibited act;
- Painting, writing, or otherwise inscribing gang-related graffiti, messages, symbols, or signs on school property;
- Engaging in violence, extortion, or any other illegal act or other violation of school property.
Violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or notification of police.
Policy History:
Adopted on: April 8, 2003
Revised on: