Section 10-021.  Emergency Procedures for Disruptions, Disorders and/or Demonstrations
Purpose: 

The School is basically an institution for learning.  Students, teachers and administrators must carry out their responsibilities to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.  Any activity which disrupts or destroys the learning atmosphere or learning opportunities of any individual or group is an infringement on the rights of others to participate in the orderly function of the school.  Every opportunity for allowing and encouraging the expressing of ideas from students concerning the improvement of their school should be afforded with procedures for considering the ideas and bringing about desirable change.  However, the orderly conduct of school activity and the protection of the rights of others to be taught and to learn is the primary responsibility of students, teachers, administrators and the Board of Education.  The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures for meeting such responsibility if and when unlawful disruptions occur.

Definitions:

1.         Disruption or disorder shall mean any unlawful activity by one or more persons which materially interferes, disturbs or interrupts classes or any other authorized school activity.

2.         Demonstration shall mean any unlawful assembly by persons which interferes, disturbs, or interrupts classes or any other authorized school
            activity.

Procedures:

1.                  Principals (or their assistants in charge) shall notify the Superintendent of Schools (or his assistant in charge) of the presence of any disruption, disorder or demonstration and ask permission to use emergency procedures.  If permission is granted, the Superintendent shall immediately notify the chief of police, or the next officer in charge, of such unlawful activity.  If physical violence is evident, the Superintendent and Principal shall make reasonable efforts to stop the disturbance (without physical involvement) before asking the police to intervene.

2.                  After the arrival of the police authority, persons involved will be asked to either:

a.                   Leave the school premises, or

b.                  Return to classes immediately, or

c.                   Proceed according to any other instruction deemed advisable by the mutual agreement of the police authority and school Superintendent.

d.                  Students involved should be advised that they risk suspension if they do not follow instructions given.

3.                  If the Superintendent deems it necessary, any and all classes may be continued beyond the normal class period and rooms and/or buildings may be locked except that no person shall be required to remain on school property against his or her will.

4.                  If the disruption, disorder or demonstration continues after warnings have been issued as described in paragraph (2) above, the police authority with the permission of the Superintendent (or the highest administrative officer available in the Superintendent's absence), shall act to quell the disruption, disorder or demonstration and shall proceed in a reasonable manner to clear the school buildings and grounds.