Civility
Purpose
The Meridian School District believes that a safe, civil environment is essential to high student and staff achievement, to the free exchange of ideas central to a quality educational process, and to the development of youth as thoughtful participants in our democracy. The intent of this policy is to maintain an inclusive community where all people are valued and respected as specified in policies 3210 and 5010. Conversely, uncivil conduct, like other forms of disruptive behavior, interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a District’s ability to support and educate its students.
The District will support the participation of all staff in maintaining a clear expectation of civil conduct and problem-solving throughout the school District. The District is committed to providing training and resources to support this expectation and refuses to condone uncivil conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities, whether by staff, students, parents, volunteers, or other District visitors.
The basic purpose of this Regulation is three-fold:
1. To promote a work and learning environment that is safe, productive and beneficial for all staff and students, and to encourage the free flow of ideas without fear or intimidation;
2. To provide our students with appropriate models for respectful problem-solving; and
3. To reduce the potential triggers for violent conduct, such as fear, anger, frustration and alienation-especially by making problem-solving procedures and alternatives to violence readily accessible to both youth and adults who need them.
Expectations
In support of this policy, the board of directors expects its members and all stakeholders to:
• Treat each other and students with dignity and respect.
• Exercise reasonable, good judgement in handling interpersonal disputes.
• Exercise respect, courtesy, and concern for the dignity and cultural background of others.
• Refrain from use of abusive language.
• Model respectful problem-solving.
• Reduce actions or behaviors that might provoke fear, anger, frustration, or alienation.
• Use clear, concise, and courteous oral and written communication to arrive at goodwill solutions.
• Extend common courtesy to others such as saying please and thank you.
• Practice civility in all conversations and behavior.
• Be respectful of others even when in disagreement.
• Address incivility when it is observed; and
• Seek to understand others’ point of view and cultural perceptions.
Definitions
The perception of uncivil conduct is partially subjective, and this procedure recognizes that the standard by which its violation is determined is interpreted by each individual. Generally, uncivil conduct is defined as behavior that would cause a reasonable individual to feel a sense of threat, cause undue stress, and/or cause disturbances of good order. Examples of uncivil conduct include, but are not limited to:
• Using language, behavior, or tone of voice that is hostile, threatening, intimidating, malicious, derisive, sarcastic, disdainful, or degrading to another individual.
• Directing vulgar, obscene or profane gestures or words at another individual.
• Taunting, jeering, inciting others to taunt or jeer at an individual.
• Raising one’s voice at another individual.
• Repeatedly interrupting another individual who is speaking at an appropriate time and place.
• Imposing personal demands at times or settings where they conflict with assigned duties and cannot reasonably be met.
• Invading personal space of an individual after being directed to move away.
• Physically blocking an individual’s exit from a room or location.
• Remaining in a classroom or school area after a teacher or administrator in authority has directed one to leave.
• Violating the privacy of another individual’s belongings (except for lawful searches by school officials conducted in connection with the administration of school rules and applicable laws), or other similar disruptive conduct.
Uncivil conduct does not include the expression of controversial or differing viewpoints that may be offensive to some persons, so long as:
1. The ideas are presented in a respectful manner and at a time and place that are appropriate; and
2. Such expression does not materially disrupt, and may not be reasonably anticipated to disrupt, the educational process.
Expectations
The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development of District training, written and oral communications, resource lists and other tools for the use of staff, students and community members in achieving the purposes of this policy and procedure. Specific procedures appropriate to the needs of staff, students, volunteers, and parents/community members will be available to all persons who have legitimate business within the District.
In all cases, individuals who perceive they have been treated in an uncivil manner will be urged to resolve their concerns through simple, direct or assisted communication with the person(s) at the source of the concern. When this is not possible or appropriate, any person who needs help in identifying and/or using appropriate problem-solving procedures may seek assistance from the school principal, principal designee, or work site administrator. Individuals are encouraged to work out issues of concern promptly – and preferably no later than two (2) days after an incident has occurred. No retaliation will be tolerated against individuals for working in good faith under this policy and its related procedures to resolve concerns.
Leadership teams are encouraged to guide, support, and evaluate local efforts to establish and reinforce a culture of civility and respect for all. Complaints alleging conduct arising out of District programs that is uncivil or involves harassment, intimidation, or bullying of parents or volunteers will be processed via Policy 5282 and Procedure 5282P, provided that parental complaints against District employees will be processed via Policy 4220 and Procedure 4220P.
This policy seeks to promote a school culture of respect and civility. Severe or persistent acts of uncivil conduct may, however, violate other school rules, or District policies such as against harassment and sexual harassment, or specific conduct codes. Violation of such building rules of District policies may result in further action, such as removal from District property or District event, competition, or activity, issuance of a No Trespass order, or criminal charges as applicable. Nothing in this policy is intended to interfere with the ability of school officials to maintain order and discipline in the schools or to enforce school rules and applicable laws.
The Superintendent and appropriate staff shall review this policy annually.
Severability Clause
If any part of this policy or its related procedures is found to be unlawful or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the full extent permitted by law.
Cross References
Policy 3210 Nondiscrimination
Policy 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Policy 4220Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs
Policy 5010 Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
Policy 5011 Sexual Harassment
Adoption Date: 02/27/19
Classification: Discretionary
Revised: 03/06/24