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2000 SESSION

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HB 815 Standards of conduct; prohibits obscene or profane language.

Introduced by: Johnny S. Joannou | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Prohibitions against obscene or profane language or conduct. Requires each school board to include, in its standards of student conduct, prohibitions against profane or obscene language. Several states have enacted similar statutes authorizing these disciplinary actions.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Prohibitions against obscene or profane language or conduct. Directs local school boards to provide, within their respective standards for student conduct, for the suspension and expulsion of students for the use of profane or obscene language or conduct. These disciplinary actions must be consistent with the notice and due process requirements. School boards are to include in their standards of student conduct prohibitions against such language or conduct.

Several states have enacted statutes authorizing these disciplinary actions. In West Virginia, students may be suspended for use of "profane language directed at a school employee or pupil" (W.Va. Code § 18A-5-1a). In Oregon, "use or display of profane or obscene language" is grounds for disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion (ORS § 339.250). "Habitual use of profanity or obscene language" warrants suspension or expulsion in New Jersey (N.J. Stat. § 18A:37-2); use of profane language is also grounds for suspension in Tennessee (Tenn.Code Ann. § 49-6-3401) and in Louisiana (La. R.S. 17:416).

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Suspensions and expulsions for obscene or profane language. Directs local school boards to provide, within their respective standards for student conduct, for the suspension and expulsion of students for the use of profane or obscene language. These disciplinary actions must be consistent with the notice and due process requirements. School boards are to revise their standards of student conduct to incorporate this requirement no later than three months after the effective date of this measure.

Several states have enacted statutes authorizing these disciplinary actions. In West Virginia, students may be suspended for use of "profane language directed at a school employee or pupil" (W.Va. Code § 18A-5-1a). In Oregon, "use or display of profane or obscene language" is grounds for disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion (ORS § 339.250). "Habitual use of profanity or obscene language" warrants suspension or expulsion in New Jersey (N.J. Stat. § 18A:37-2); use of profane language is also grounds for suspension in Tennessee (Tenn.Code Ann. § 49-6-3401) and in Louisiana (La. R.S. 17:416).