Gangs which initiate, advocate or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment, are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger. This is contrary to the school environment and educational objectives and creates an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations may occur.
Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.
The superintendent shall establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
The superintendent shall provide in-service training in gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff in identifying students-at-risk and promote membership in authorized school groups and/or activities as an alternative.
Legal References:
Disorderly conduct - RCW 9A.84.030
Willfully disobeying school administrative personnel or refusing to leave public property - RCW 28A.87.055
Disturbing school, school activities or meetings - RCW 28A.87.060
Defacing or injuring school property - RCW 28A.87.120
Intimidating any administrator, teacher, classified employee, or student by threat of force or violence - RCW 28A.87.231
Government of schools, pupils, employers, rules and regulations - RCW 28A.58.101
Government of school pupils, employees and regulations for due process - RCW 28A.58.1011
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: October 25, 1989