These guidelines apply to individual students and to any electronic recording device, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, digital cameras, stand-alone video cameras, Internet accessible webcams, video recorders, audio recorders, personal laptop computers, handhelds, portable music players, unauthorized calculators, unauthorized electronic dictionaries, personal digital assistants, and software designed to monitor computer use by a specific user.

Use of these devices and application of these guidelines must comply with existing district policies and practices including but not limited to the Sexual Harassment Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, applicable building procedures, district policies, and State and Federal laws.

Use of electronic recording devices to facilitate specific instructional and administrative services is permitted based on established policies and practices. Such uses include, but are not limited to, district publications, athletic programs and theatrical productions.

Specific district venues or events may have additional guidelines for use of electronic devices. It is the responsibility of the owner/sponsor to notify attendees of any restrictions that may apply (e.g., athletics, recreational sports, Cam-Plex Events Center, etc).

Absent approved policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to the contrary for such authorized services, the guidelines below should be followed.

Taking photos or making audio or video recordings without permission in any context in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy such as private offices, restrooms, changing rooms, labs, classrooms, and conference rooms is prohibited. Only persons authorized by the building administrator will be allowed to photograph or record in restricted areas for specific purposes. These persons might include media or yearbook photojournalists.

It is also not acceptable to publish pictures or recordings taken in an inappropriate situation. In other words, a picture or recording taken under prohibited conditions is also prohibited from being published. This includes pictures taken off district property and brought to the district for distribution. Transmission on the Internet constitutes publication. Additionally, all media transmitted are subject to all applicable policies and laws, including copyright, as is any other digital document. The use of electronic devices to transmit or record images or conversations without explicit permission and acknowledgment of all parties is prohibited. Exceptions for law enforcement purposes may be granted. Any other exceptions must comply with applicable policies and laws and be approved by the Superintendent or designee.

During classes, exams, or meetings, electronic communication devices (e.g., cell phones, pagers, handhelds, etc.) shall not be used without permission. Exceptions may be made in an emergency or other unusual circumstance, or for an educational reason or exception. When use of electronic devices is necessary arrangements should be made in advance, when feasible, with the instructor or meeting sponsor. It is up to the instructor, sponsor, or leader to inform participants of specific prohibitions or allowances prior to the start of the class or meeting.

Electronic devices may be used to record a lecture, presentation, interview, or similar activity with prior permission of the individual being recorded. This permission does not extend to others who may be present. Written permission must be obtained prior to recording or transmitting someone's image or speech over the airwaves, on the web, as part of a class assignment, or any district-sponsored activity or program. Absence of permission may constitute a copyright violation.

A student may be found to have engaged in academic dishonesty if he or she provides inappropriate aid to another person in connection with a test, assignment, or other material used or intended to be used to evaluate academic performance. This includes the unauthorized use of electronic devices to record, copy, photograph, or otherwise transmit related materials.

Violation of this policy may result in access privileges being revoked, and students may be subject to appropriate legal action. In addition, as a student, any violation of this policy may be considered willful disobedience and defiance of the authority of school personnel and may result in disciplinary action to include suspension or expulsion, as determined by district administration.

ADOPTION DATE: January 24, 2006; Revised April 12, 2011; Revised October 10, 2017

LEGAL REFERENCE(S):

CROSS REFERENCE(S):

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION: