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Board discusses cyberbullying regulation language that excludes materials with "artistic, educational" value
Summary
During review of suspension and expulsion regulations, trustees questioned language excluding depictions with "literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value" from cyberbullying definitions; staff explained the exclusions and remedial steps for incidents involving minors.
The board examined proposed revisions to suspension and expulsion regulations that define cyberbullying. One trustee asked why the regulation excludes depictions that have "literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value," noting the potential for ambiguity when content is offensive but arguably artistic or part of school-sanctioned events.
Staff responded that the exclusion is standard language intended to protect legitimate creative and educational expression while emphasizing that explicitly harmful exchanges (for example, explicit images disseminated to harass students) remain subject to disciplinary action and, where appropriate, law enforcement referral. Board members asked how the district instructs middle-school students about online conduct and prevention; staff said cyberbullying prevention and related conversations are part of ongoing student education.
