STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
INTRODUCTION : The success of the educational process in the Teaneck schools calls for clearly expressed and fairly administered guidelines for student conduct . To devise a realistic , fair set of guidelines has been the task of a committee of students , teachers and administrators who have worked diligently . The guidelines are offered to students of Teaneck in the hope that they will read them carefully and will gain greater understanding of their rights and recognition of their responsibilities .
FREE ACCESS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION In New Jersey , every person over five and under 20 years of age is entitled to a free public education in accordance with the law . In addition , students eligible for special education are entitled to a free education through the year the student turns 21 years of age .
SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS Along with the right to free public education comes the responsibility to obey school regulations and those who enforce them , the school authorities . If a student believes a regulation conflicts with his / her rights , it is one ’ s right and responsibility to follow proper grievance procedures to change them .
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY Every student in the public schools is entitled to an equal educational opportunity regardless of race , color , creed , religion , sex , ancestry , national origin or social or economic status and sexual orientation .
HAIR AND DRESS The Board recognizes that each student has his / her own personal style and individual preferences relative to dress and grooming . However , in the interest of maintaining the protection of health , safety and order in the educational process , the Board has the authority to impose its judgment in those instances when a student ’ s dress or grooming may distract or disrupt the educational process . The Board may exercise its authority when students exhibit gang related , obscene , pornographic , and other similar types of apparel or accessories , which may disrupt the educational process in accordance with its policy and regulation 5511 . A student who fails to comply with this provision may be subject to discipline .
FLAG SALUTE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE New Jersey law requires the student to show respect for the United States flag . This means the student is not required to say the Pledge of Allegiance , but must remain respectfully quiet while it is being recited . No student can be required to stand during the pledge of allegiance . ( West Virginia v . Barnette ; Lipp v . Morris )
DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE The Board recognizes that the distribution of literature , both school sponsored and pupil created , is an exercise of freedom of speech . However , the Board maintains an interest in the protection of safety and order in the educational process . To that extent , such materials may be distributed on school premises only upon advance written approval by the principal or his / her designee and in accordance with the restrictions set forth in Board Regulation 5721 and Policy 2432 . In accordance with the law , the Board prohibits distribution of partisan political literature supporting or opposing candidates or public questions in any school election on school property . The Board also prohibits the distribution of pornographic literature and literature aimed at creating violence , hostility and obscenity .
STUDENT RECORDS Student records include information related to an individual student gathered within or outside of the school district and maintained within the school system , regardless of the physical form in which it is maintained . Student records include a student ’ s personal data ( name , address , telephone number , etc .), as well as records of daily attendance , descriptions of student progress , and status of physical health .
Access to student records is available only to the student ’ s parent / guardian , adult student , appropriate school personnel acting in the educational interest of the student ( such as a counselor , physician , or expert working on behalf of the District ), and others as permitted access by rules of the State Board of Education . The District may deny access to parents / legal guardians / adult students only upon court order . The parent / legal guardian / adult student may appeal such denial .
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