Policy Details Page

Policy No. 3235
Students


Gang-Related Activity

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff are primary concerns of the board of directors. Groups that initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or at school activities or which disrupt the educational environment, are harmful to the educational process. Such groups or group affiliations are referred to in this policy as "gangs."

Gang-related activity can cause a material and substantial disruption of the educational process and is inconsistent with the educational mission of the district. It creates an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations are more likely to occur. Because gang initiations, intimidation, and related activities may place students, staff, and patrons in danger of bodily or mental harm and/or may lead to property damage, they are prohibited.

The use of hand signals, graffiti or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, altered symbol, or any other attribute, may indicate membership or affiliation with a gang. Hand signals or other behavior which may be accompanied by these indicators present a clear and present danger to students, staff, and patrons are prohibited. Students who engage in gang-related activity will be subject to appropriate discipline.

The superintendent is authorized to develop and implement the necessary regulations for the administration of this policy.

Secret Groups

When groups attempt to segregate students, act as a divisive influence on school and student activities, attempt to control the actions of its members in opposition to school regulations, employ hazing, or attempt to dictate membership on student committees, good order, discipline, and scholarship are threatened. Furthermore, it is not in the best interest of the district for staff to spend time addressing problems created by the existence of such groups.

Therefore, secret student fraternities, sororities, clubs or other non-school sponsored groups are prohibited. Such groups are characterized by one or more of the following: selective membership, hazing, affiliation with a national sorority or fraternity, rushing parties, attempts to control the actions of its members in conflict with or in opposition to
school regulations.

Any student engaging in activity in conjunction with a secret student group shall be subject to appropriate discipline. 

Legal References:

  • RCW 9A.84.030 Disorderly conduct
  • RCW 28A.635 .020 Willfully disobeying school administrative personnel or refusing to leave public property
  • 28A.635.030 Disturbing school, school activities or
  • meetings
  • RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property—Liability of parent or guardian
  • RCW 28A.635.100 Intimidating any administrator, teacher, classified employee or student by threat of force or violence
  • RCW 28A.600.010 Government of schools, pupils, employers,
  •  rules and regulations
  • RCW 28A.600.020 Government of school pupils, employees, and regulations--To insure optimum learning atmosphere
  • 28A.600.040 Pupils to comply with rules andx
  • regulations
  • RCW 28A.400.110 Principal to assure appropriate student discipline for due process
  • WAC 392-400-205 Definition 392-400-225 School district rules defining misconduct-- Distribution of rules

Adoption Date: 6/22/00
Revised: 10/24/07

  • 3235
  • discipline
  • gang
  • groups
  • policy
  • policy handbook
  • policy manual
  • students