Student Publications

  Students of the East Buchanan Community School District are protected in their exercise of freedom of expression by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Iowa.  Understand the meaning of the First Amendment’s protection of free speech is an important part of the learning process, and school is an appropriate place for inquiry and learning through the expression and exchange of ideas.  Students’ expression in official school publications is specifically defined and protected under Iowa law.  It is the policy of the East Buchanan Community School District that all official school publications shall be free from prior restraint by school officials except as provided by law.  An editorial board comprised of participating students under the supervision of publications advisers shall be responsible for the content of official student publications.  The editorial board shall be guided by the Iowa Code and by ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.  All publications shall provide students a full opportunity for the exchange of ideas and robust debate about topics of the student interest, including those that may be controversial.  Student expression in official school publications is not an expression of school policy.  Schools possess a substantial educational interest in teaching student writers journalistic skills.  Journalism advisers shall supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and Journalism and to comply with Iowa law including the restrictions against unlawful speech in Iowa Code section 280.22.  It is the policy of the East Buchanan Community School District to encourage the resolution of complaints arising from the application of this policy through an appeal process.  The administration is directed to develop a Code of reasonable rules including time, place, and manner restrictions respecting official student publications in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Iowa.  Administrative Rules and Regulations are available in each office and may be read by any student so they understand the rules of School Publications.