Student publications produced as part of the school’s curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as a vehicle for instruction and student communication.

Although substantively financed and operated by the district, student editors of school-sponsored media are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature and advertising content of the media, consistent with chapter 28A.600 RCW.

Material appearing in such publications may reflect various areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent.

When engaging with a controversial issue, student publications should strive to provide in-depth treatment and represent a variety of viewpoints.

Such materials may not do any of the following: be libelous or slanderous; be unwarranted invasion of privacy; violate federal or state laws, rules, or regulations; incite students to violate federal or state laws, rules or regulations; violate school district policy or procedure related to harassment, intimidation or bullying; incite students as to create a clear and present danger of unlawful acts on school premises, violation of lawful school district policy or procedure or the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

A school official must base a forecast of material and substantial disruption on specific facts, including past experience in the school and current events influencing student behavior and not on undifferentiated fear or apprehension.

Materials also may not be in violation of the federal communications act or applicable federal communication commission rules or regulations nor advertise tobacco products, liquor, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia.