2530 Display of Materials / Flags on School Property

Policies

Middletown Public Schools                                                               No. 2530

Display of Materials / Flags on School Property

DISPLAY OF MATERIALS/ FLAGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY POLICY I. Introduction

The Middletown School Committee supports posting appropriate materials in various areas of schools to enhance school community and educational values. The Middletown School Community also recognizes and supports students, faculty, staff, and school organizations' desire to display material that promote an event, exhibit, activity, recruitment, or express student opinion. However, posting materials should not detract from an orderly, focused learning environment. This policy provides for appropriate oversight and limitations and also to avoid the disruption inherent in the distribution/posting of non-District-related promotional materials

II. Definitions

“Material” or “posted material” for purposes of this policy includes, but is not limited to, banners, flags, leaflets, chalking, posters, flyers, literature, and other visual items which may be put up for display or distributed to students and families.

III. Policy

1. The Principal or designee shall make all determinations as to the appropriateness of any material for a particular school site. All materials to be posted on school property require prior approval by the Principal School staff and faculty are authorized to immediately remove posted materials that violate this policy.

2. Materials to be posted on school property must directly relate to the community’s cultural, recreational, artistic, or educational opportunities. Posted materials must not promote any commercial, religious, political, or socio-political interest. Consistent with other applicable policies, content on posted materials must be age appropriate and relate to the student’s curriculum.

3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this policy will not be interpreted or applicable to political signage on Election Day or Primary Day on school grounds designated as polling places for a particular election. The display of any written material or other material is prohibited on school property or at school sponsored events if it is likely to impact any or all of the following: the safety, schedule, work, or discipline of the school.

4. This policy does not apply to posted materials in a teacher’s classroom or put on display by the classroom teacher which are directly related to such classroom teacher’s curriculum.

5. Approved flags include: United States Flag, Rhode Island State Flag, Middletown, Rhode Island flag, United States Military Flags including but not limited to: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps. Coast Guard, and U.S. Space Force and Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) and Missing in Action (M.I.A.) flags.

IV. Development of protocol

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop a protocol and procedures to facilitate this policy.

First Reading - November 21, 2024

Second Reading - December 12, 2024

Approved Date - December 12, 2024

3 Year Reading Due - December 2027