Every organization, including those that provide education, has its own regulations. For instance, Lancaster Central School District (LCSD), which is located in the state of New York, has a Code of Conduct that involves students, employees, parents, and visitors (Lancaster Central School District [LCSD], 2022). The Code determines the rights and responsibilities of each party involved in the functioning of the educational establishment (LCSD, 2022). LCSD’s Code of Conduct presents rules that do not oppose federal and state policies regarding free speech, religious freedom, association, or assembly.
The Code of Conduct of LCSD does not have elements that could be controversial concerning the liberty of speech, assembly, and association. The school district obeys regulations declared in the Constitution of New York state and directions specified by the US Department of Education. Although the two statutes are not necessarily guidelines, they are the primary rule setters that pilot LCSD. Consequently, both instructions propose that all individuals, including students, have the right to speak freely, assemble, and associate peaceably (New York State Senate [NYSS], 2021; US Department, 2022). Accordingly, LCSD’s Code of Conduct does not seem to limit freedom of speech or friendly assembly (LCSD, 2022). In fact, the Code encourages peaceful communication between pupils, school administration and teachers, and parents (LCSD, 2022). Moreover, students are asked to report any violations of the Code (LCSD, 2022). Notably, the Code has certain restrictions on speech or any conduct that facilitates violence or discrimination, such as communication of sexual nature (LCSD, 2022). Therefore, while LCSD’s Code of Conduct encourages freedom of expression and interactions according to state and federal rules, the school limits contacts that may induce brutality.
Furthermore, LCSD’s Code of Conduct does not appear to have any aspects that oppose religious freedom. The federal Department of Education and the New York state Constitution protect the right to exercise religious worship without discrimination (NYSS, 2021; US Department, 2022). LCSD follows the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which mandates that schools have to establish a safe and supportive environment (LCSD, 2022). In such an environment, no student is to be subjected to prejudice, harassment, or bullying based on their unique qualities, including religion and religious practice (LCSD, 2022). Consequently, LCSD trains Dignity Act Coordinators who aid students of different religions, and The Code allows freedom of religion (LCSD, 2022). For instance, while LCSD’s Code has regulations regarding learners’ dress and appearance, it permits wearing headwear for religious purposes (LCSD, 2022). In addition, students are not authorized to have items that may denigrate their peers on account of religion (LCSD, 2022). Moreover, pupils may be subject to disciplinary action if they engage in behavior that discriminates against others’ religious beliefs (LCSD, 2022). Therefore, LCSD’s Code of Conduct allows and facilitates freedom of religion among learners.
To summarize, LCSD’s Code of Conduct does not have elements that could oppose federal and state regulations regarding free speech, religious freedom, association, or assembly. Although the present paper aimed at finding controversial aspects, the careful examination of LCSD’s Code of Conduct did not yield any points of content with the US Department of Education and New York state’s Constitution. The Code appears to authorize and encourage all listed liberties and specifies such details as that students must not be harassed and are allowed to have headwear that reflects their religions. Accordingly, LCSD’s Code of Conduct corresponds with state and federal rules and promotes pupils’ rights.
References
Lancaster Central School District. (2022). Code of conduct. Web.
New York State Senate. (2021). The Constitution of the state of New York. Web.
U.S. Department of Education. (2022). Laws and regulations. Web.