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4011 - Civility

Purpose

The Issaquah School District believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to maximize student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s and District’s ability to support and educate its students.

The District encourages volunteers, parents, and other community members to participate in maintaining a clear expectation of civil conduct and problem-solving throughout the school District. The District is committed to providing training and resources to support this expectation and refuses to condone uncivil conduct on school grounds, in communications with staff, or at school-sponsored activities, whether by staff, students, parents, volunteers, or other District visitors.

The basic purpose of this Regulation is three-fold:

  1. To promote a work and learning environment that is safe, productive and beneficial for all staff and students, and to encourage the free flow of ideas without fear or intimidation;
  2. To provide our students with appropriate models for respectful problem-solving; and
  3. To reduce the potential triggers for violent conduct, such as fear, anger, frustration and alienation-especially by making problem-solving procedures and alternatives to violence readily accessible to both youth and adults who need them.

Definitions

For purposes of this Regulation, “uncivil conduct” includes the following: directing vulgar, obscene or profane gestures or words at another individual; taunting, jeering, inciting others to taunt or jeer at an individual; raising one’s voice at another individual, repeatedly interrupting another individual who is speaking at an appropriate time and place; imposing personal demands at times or in settings where they conflict with assigned duties and cannot reasonably be met; using personal epithets, gesturing in a manner that puts another in fear for his/her personal safety, invading the personal space of an individual after being directed to move away, physically blocking an individual’s exit from a room or location, remaining in a classroom or school area after a teacher or administrator in authority has directed one to leave, violating the privacy of another individual’s belongings (except for lawful searches by school officials conducted in connection with the administration of school rules and applicable laws), or other similar disruptive conduct.

“Uncivil conduct” does not include the expression of controversial or differing viewpoints that may be offensive to some persons, so long as (1) the ideas are presented in a respectful manner and at a time and place that are appropriate, and (2) such expression does not materially disrupt, and may not be reasonably anticipated to disrupt, the educational process.

Expectations

In support of this Regulation, the Superintendent shall be responsible for the development of District training, written and oral communications, resource lists and other tools for the use of staff, students and community members in achieving the purposes of this Regulation. Specific procedures appropriate to the needs of staff, students, volunteers, and parents/community members will be available to all persons who have legitimate business within the District.

In all cases, individuals who perceive they have been treated in an uncivil manner will be urged to resolve their concerns through simple, direct or assisted communication with the person(s) at the source of the concern. When this is not possible or appropriate, any person who needs help in identifying and/or using appropriate problem-solving procedures may seek assistance from the school principal, principal designee, or work site administrator. Individuals are encouraged to work out issues of concern promptly-and preferably no later than two (2) days after an incident has occurred. No retaliation will be tolerated against individuals for working in good faith under this Regulation and its related procedures to resolve concerns.

Site Councils are encouraged to guide, support, and evaluate local efforts to establish and reinforce a culture of civility and respect for all. Complaints alleging conduct arising out of District programs that is uncivil or involves harassment, intimidation, or bullying of parents or volunteers will be processed via Regulation 4011 and Procedure 4011P, provided that parental complaints against District employees will be processed via Regulation 4220 and Procedure 4220P.

This Regulation seeks to promote a school culture of respect and civility. Severe or persistent acts of uncivil conduct may, however, violate other school rules, or District Regulations such as against harassment and sexual harassment, or specific conduct codes. Violation of such building rules of District regulations may result in further action, such as removal from District property or District event, competition, or activity, issuance of a No Trespass order, or criminal charges as applicable. Nothing in this Regulation is intended to interfere with the ability of school officials to maintain order and discipline in the schools or to enforce school rules and applicable laws.