Student Handbook – Social Media Policy
Appendices
Social Media Policy
The Academy believes social media technologies provide an opportunity for our community to have access to an endless flow of information. Social media tools provide students today a method to create content and share this content with a global audience. These same tools provide a way for students to collaborate strengthening the content created and deepening relationships through the communication process. Appropriate content creation and publishing are critical skills for students today.
The following outlines the Indiana Academy’s social media policy and expectations. Social media refers to online tools and services that allow any Internet user to create, share and publish content. Popular social media tools include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Flickr to name a few.
To maintain a safe and productive living and learning environment, the Indiana Academy requires all students who access or create social networking sites through BSU/Academy networks (LAN or WIFI) or other wireless/Internet provider to know and abide by the following:
- You are responsible and will be held accountable for the content of your communication(s) posted on social media.
- Think before you click; Please take the necessary amount of time to consider the short, long, and far-reaching consequences and effects before communicating online. You are responsible for what you like, comment, post/tweet, share, subscribe to, download, view, etc.
- Do not cyberbully others online. Cyberbullying is considered an act of harassment and is unacceptable. See the Anti-Bullying Policy section of the Indiana Academy Student Handbook for detailed information.
- Students are prohibited from using any electronic device to transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, and/or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, culture, ancestry, or political beliefs. Depending upon the specific behavior in question, the Academy’s Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy may be applicable as well.
- Students are prohibited from engaging in “sexting” – i.e. sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, emails, or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form.
- Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement if illegal (child pornography, sexting, etc.) and/or child services as required by law.
- Students are prohibited from using any electronic device to capture, record, and/or transmit test, quiz, exam, or other class information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty and students are prohibited from using electronic devices to receive such information.
- Please report inappropriate online behavior to help maintain a positive living and learning environment for all.
- Maintain respectful discourse and acceptable behavior online. This includes objectionable/inflammatory language or pictures (ethnic/racial slurs, offensive comments, defamatory comments, personal insults, etc.). The Academy views anything said/done online as if done in person. These acts are considered acts of harassment and are unacceptable. See the Anti-Bullying Policy section of the Indiana Academy Student Handbook for detailed information. Additionally, depending upon the specific behavior in question, the Academy’s Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy may be applicable as well.
- Anything communicated through social media should not disrupt the learning atmosphere, educational programs, school activities, and/or infringe on the rights of others.
- Do not violate privacy, confidentiality, or legal guidelines. Do not publish, post, or release information that is considered confidential or private.
- Protect yourself and others by not revealing private, confidential, or sensitive information.
- Ask permission before posting pictures, audio or videos of others.
Registered Sex Offenders Policy
Purpose of Policy
The State of Indiana has determined that perpetrators of certain sex crimes pose a continuing threat to students even after being released from prison. See, e.g. I.C. 11-13-3-4(g)(2)(a). Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities (“Academy”) declares that the sole purpose of the Indiana Academy Registered Sex Offender School Access Policy (“Policy”) is for the compelling purpose of protecting and keeping safe the Academy pupils; and visitors.
Employment
Notwithstanding any other Academy policy, individuals convicted of any sexual offense under the laws of Indiana or any other states are not eligible for employment in any position with the Academy.
School Off Limits
The Academy declares that no registered sex offender, as defined by Indiana statute, (RSO) may come on any Academy property except as otherwise provided in this Policy and as permissible by State and Federal Law. If an administrator becomes aware that a RSO is on Academy property, or attending a Academy function without prior approval, the administrator/designee shall direct the RSO to leave the area immediately, except under limited circumstances as directed below. The administrator may request the assistance of the appropriate law enforcement authorities to secure the removal of any RSO from the Academy property or function. Violations of this Policy may subject the RSO to criminal and/or civil action.
The Policy shall apply only when the Executive Director, Director of Student Affairs, or their designee are aware that the person in question is on a Sex Offender Registry, either under the laws of the state of Indiana or another state. This policy shall not be construed to impose any duty upon the administrators or any employee of the Academy to review a sex offender registry or screen individuals coming on school property to ascertain whether they have been convicted of a sex offense.
The provisions of this Policy shall not apply in the event that a sex offender’s conviction has been expunged from the Sex Offender Registry.
Limited circumstances may occur when a RSO has either a right or a legitimate need to come upon Academy property. In such a case (detailed below), the RSO must contact the Executive Director, Director of Student Affairs, or their designee at least two (2) school days prior to the RSO’s expected presence on school property to establish a written School Access/Child Protection Plan (“SACPP”).
The SACPP will be established by discussion with a school administrator(s). The SACPP will address access to the school, school properties, and school functions during regular school hours, after school, evenings, and weekends. The SACPP and approval will be in writing with signatures of the involved parties. Only after there is an approved written SACPP may the RSO enter school property and only within the restrictions of the SACPP.
Parents
In the event that a RSO has a dependent attending the Academy and the person’s parental rights have not been terminated, Academy administration shall permit the parent to be on school property to attend required school meetings such as parent-teacher conferences and disciplinary meetings. The parent, however, may not linger on school property and is prohibited from being in any part of the school building except the immediate vicinity of the front desk or the room designated for the required meeting. The Executive Director, Director of Student Affairs, or their designee have the discretion to permit a RSO to be on school property to drop off or pick up a child. The administrator may only permit dropping off or picking up on school property where there will be adequate supervision of the students that will be in the drop off/pick up area. Prior arrangements must be made with the Director of Student Affairs or their designee.
This policy shall not be construed to impose any duty upon any employee of the Academy to review a sex offender registry and the school system’s directory information to ascertain whether a RSO may have a dependent at the Academy. The provisions of this policy shall apply only if an administrator actually becomes aware that the parent or guardian of a student at the Academy is a RSO. Also, those parents and guardians visiting school buildings are hereby advised that the Academy may refuse access to its buildings unless they agree to have someone check their driver’s license and run a criminal background check.
To facilitate voluntary compliance with this policy, administrators are encouraged to speak with any affected parents or guardians upon learning of their status as RSOs to communicate the restrictions of this policy. At all times, the administrator shall endeavor to protect the privacy of the offender’s child.