(a) The Board of Education prohibits membership in secret fraternities or sororities, or in other clubs or gangs not sponsored by established agencies or organizations recognized by the PSS. The Board feels that the presence of gangs and gang activities can cause a substantial disruption of or material interference with school and school activities.
(b) A "gang" as defined in this section is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. By this policy, the Board acts to prohibit existence of gangs and gang activities as follows.
(c) No student on or about school property or at any school activity:
(1) Shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other things, which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.
(2) Shall commit any act or omission or use any speech either verbal or nonverbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
(3) Shall use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to:
(i) Soliciting others for membership in any gangs.
(ii) Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person.
(iii) Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school PSS policies.
(iv) Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.
(d) The principal will establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia; exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership; or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
(e) Consequences for such actions and/or behaviors may result in suspension or expulsion.
(f) To further discourage the influence of gangs, PSS administrators shall:
(1) Provide in-service for staff in gang recognition and special workshops for counselors in the event that gangs become a problem at the schools.
(2) Ensure that all students have access to counselors.
(3) Work closely with the local law enforcement authorities and county juvenile officers who work with students and parents/ guardians involved in gang activity.
(4) Provide classroom or after-school programs designed to enhance individual self-esteem and foster interest in a variety of wholesome activities.
