File:  JJA-1 - Student Organizations

NOTE: Colorado school districts should adopt a policy on this subject to ensure that expectations related to student organizations are clear. This sample policy contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the state and federal law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

Schools in the district may encourage students to broaden their knowledge and citizenship by permitting the formation of clubs or other groups that relate to subject matter covered by the curriculum. Such organizations shall operate within the framework of state statutes, Board policy, administrative rules and the parameters of the learning program.

Each building principal shall develop general guidelines for the establishment and operation of student organizations within the particular school. Among other provisions, such guidelines shall require the approval of the principal prior to the formation of any club or organization in a school and the assignment of at least one faculty adviser to each approved student organization.

All student organizations are required to open membership to all interested and/or eligible students. Fraternities, sororities and/or secret societies shall not receive recognition in any manner under this policy.

All forms of hazing shall be prohibited in a student organization. No initiation shall be held for a student organization which will be degrading to the student.

The faculty adviser must attend every meeting of the student organization whether conducted on school premises or at another location.

The principal is responsible for determining whether the purpose of a student organization is related to the curriculum.

Student organizations shall be considered directly related to the curriculum if one or more of the following applies:

1. The subject matter of the group actually is taught in a regularly-offered course.

2. The subject matter of the group concerns the body of courses as a whole.

3.  Participation in the group is required for a particular course.

4. Academic credit or extra credit is given for participation in the group.

When the principal denies the request of a student organization desiring to meet or form in a particular school, the principal shall inform the group of the reasons for the denial. The students and/or group may submit a written request to the superintendent within 10 days of the denial for a review of the principal's decision.

NOTE: If the district adopts only this policy, the district has created a limited forum. If the district also adopts JJA-2, it has created an open forum in middle and high schools and should add the following conclusion to this policy:
"In the event the principal denies a group of middle and/or high school students the right to organize and conduct meetings as a curriculum-related student organization, students may seek permission to meet as a noncurricular student organization in accordance with Board policy JJA-2."

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REFS.: 20 U.S.C. 4071 et seq. (Equal Access Act)

C.R.S. 22-1-117 (secret fraternities forbidden)

C.R.S. 22-1-118 (board has power to enforce prohibition on secret fraternities)

CROSS REF.: JJA-2, Student Organizations - Open Forum

[Revised June 2018]

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 1990