Regulation 7025: Student, Faculty & Staff Freedoms and Responsibilities

This regulation outlines the Chappaqua Central School District’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and religion for staff and students.

Freedom of Speech and Expression

Students and staff have the right to express their thoughts and opinions on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities, provided that such expression does not:

• Substantially disrupt the educational process,
• Threaten the safety of others,
• Promote illegal activities, or
• Infringe upon the rights of other students or staff.

Forms of expression include, but are not limited to, verbal communication, written materials, social media, attire, and artwork.

The exercise of First Amendment rights must align with the following principles on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities:

• The speech or expression must not cause substantial disruption to the school environment or the educational process.
• It must not infringe on the safety, security, or rights of other students, staff, faculty, or community members.
• Threats or language promoting violence, discrimination, or illegal activity are not protected under this regulation.
• Speech is not protected by this regulation that targets an individual or group based upon the characteristics of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of the individual or group members, and either
  • (a) intends to place, or recklessly disregards the serious risk of placing the targeted individual or group in fear of unlawful violence; or
  • (b) constitutes “bullying” and/or “cyberbullying” as defined in New York Education Law §11 8 NYCRR 100.2 (jj, kk); or
  • (c) the speech causes or is reasonably likely to cause a significant substantial disruption to school operations or activities.

Students whose speech does not align with the principles above may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Chappaqua Central School District Code of Conduct.

Distribution of Student Initiated Newspapers or Written Materials on Campus

Student-run publications are a forum for free speech. Students shall have the right to write and publish, subject to the limitations of school guidelines set forth in this regulation, as long as the content is not obscene, lewd, libelous, or materially disruptive to the school’s function.

No student shall distribute any printed or written material on the grounds of any school or in any school building unless the distribution of such material has prior approval of the school administration. In granting or denying approval, the following guidelines shall apply:

No material shall be distributed which, either by its content or by the manner of distribution itself, will substantially interfere with the proper and orderly operation of the school, will foreseeably cause violence or disorder, or will constitute an invasion of the privacy rights or civil rights of others.

Prior to the distribution of such student-initiated writings, the same shall be presented to the building principal and the principal will issue a written decision regarding distribution on campus within two (2) school days. If the principal denies the right to distribute, an appeal may be taken to the Superintendent of Schools or their designee and a written decision regarding distribution shall be issued within (2) school days.

Limitations on Student Expression & Accountability for Behavior Off-Campus

Before taking disciplinary action for off-campus conduct, school administrators must clearly articulate the factual basis for their conclusion that the off-campus speech could foreseeably cause substantial disruption to the educational environment. An investigation will be conducted to ascertain whether the speech presents an imminent threat of such disruption. If uncertainty remains after the investigation, the administrator will consult with District counsel before proceeding with any disciplinary measures.

Actions that may constitute a substantial disruption include safety concerns or threats targeted at students, staff, faculty or school-affiliated groups, refusal of students to attend classes, substantial interruptions during class discussions related to the off-campus speech, or gatherings that substantially disrupt school activities.

Whether such disruptions to the educational environment are "reasonably foreseeable" depends on the specific circumstances, the more direct and targeted the off-campus speech—such as threats regarding targeted individuals, whether students, staff or faculty, school-affiliated groups, school property or speech directed at individual students staff or faculty—the more likely it will warrant disciplinary measures.

When investigating reports of speech that qualify as Off-Campus misconduct, designated administrators must recognize discipline can only be imposed if it is determined that the speech has substantially disrupted the educational environment, is likely to cause such disruption, or targets and threatens specific students, staff, faculty or school-affiliated groups.

Free Speech Rights of Staff and Faculty Members

Faculty and staff members retain their First Amendment rights as regards citizen speech on matters of public concern, but such rights do not extend to speech regarding information learned in the course of performing their work for the District. Employees are not allowed to post materials, images or writings in their workspaces which are political in nature and may not wear political buttons or dress while at work or in their workplaces during their working hours. Faculty and staff may not use their classrooms or school premises during working hours to express their personal political views and beliefs.

Freedom of Assembly

Students have the right to gather peacefully on school grounds, only before or after school hours, so long as such meetings do not substantially disrupt school activities. Meetings must be preapproved by school administration as regarding the time and place on campus for the gathering and supervised by staff, faculty or administration to ensure they are conducted safely. Staff members are entitled to participate in peaceful assembly and other gatherings, provided they reserve district space under our facilities use policy.

Freedom of Religion

Students have the right to practice their religion provided that these activities do not substantially disrupt the educational process or infringe upon the rights of others. Schools are prohibited from promoting or endorsing any particular religion or religious activities.

Staff and faculty members have the right to practice and express their religious beliefs during their non-working time provided these activities do not interfere with their job responsibilities or create a perception of school endorsement of a particular religion. Staff are encouraged to be mindful of the diverse religious beliefs of the student body and to avoid influencing students with personal religious views.

Adopted May 21, 2025