PHILOSOPHY OF PERSONAL CONDUCT

It is the intent of the Board to promote mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct among district employees, parents and the general public. This policy provides rules of conduct that both permit and encourage participation in school activities and communication between parents, community members and school district personnel. This policy also identifies those behaviors that are considered inappropriate and disruptive to the operation of a school or other school district facility.
 

It is not the intent of the Board to deprive any person of his or her right to freedom of expression. Public Forum is addressed separately in Board Policy B-180 “Public Forum.”²

EXPECTATIONS

Students, faculty, staff, parents, legal guardians and all other members of the community shall:

1. Treat one another with courtesy and respect at all times.
2. Take responsibility for one’s actions.
3. Be cooperative, to the greatest extent possible, toward one another and in solving problems based on what is in the best interest of students.  
4. Refrain from behavior that threatens or attempts to disrupt school or school district operations; physically harms someone; intentionally causes property damage; employs loud or offensive language, gestures, or profanity; or inappropriately shows a display of temper.

RESPONSE TO UNCIVIL BEHAVIOR  

The Board does not condone a lack of civility by anyone, and recognizes the following appropriate administrative avenues for aggrieved parties to seek action or redress.  

1. A student who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should report such behavior to the appropriate building level administrator.
2. A parent, legal guardian or community member who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should report such behavior to the staff member’s immediate supervisor or the student’s appropriate building level administrator.
3. An employee who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should address the concern through the appropriate supervisory chain. If personal harm is threatened, the employee shall notify their supervisor and may also contact law enforcement. If a communication such as voice mail or e-mail or any type of written communication is demeaning, abusive, threatening or obscene the employee is not obligated to respond.
4. Any visitor on school district property who has breached this Civility Code may be directed to leave the premises by an administrator or security officer. If such person does not immediately and willingly leave, law enforcement may be called.

Legal Reference:  

1. T.C.A. § 49-6-1014.

2. T.C.A. § 49-6-4003.  

Cross Reference:

• Knox County Board of Education Policy B-180 Public Forum. 

Approved as to Legal Form 
By Knox County Law Director 8/16/2024 
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director