Policy 8245: Gangs or "Gang-Like" Activity (Rules)

At the Principal’s discretion, staff may use the following techniques to discourage the influence of gangs: 

1. Any student wearing or carrying overt gang paraphernalia or making gestures that symbolize gang membership shall be referred to the Principal. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be contacted and the student sent home to change clothes if necessary. 
2. Any gang graffiti on District premises shall be quietly removed, washed down, or painted over as soon as discovered. 
   1. Daily checks for graffiti shall be made throughout the campus, including restroom walls and doors. 
   2. Graffiti shall be photographed before it is removed. The photographs will be shared with local law enforcement authorities and used in future disciplinary or criminal action against offenders.
3. Classroom and after-school programs at each school shall be designed to enhance individual self-esteem, provide positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior, and foster interest in a variety of wholesome activities. 
4. Staff shall actively promote membership in authorized student organizations, which can provide students companionship, safety, and a sense of purpose and belonging. 

Gang Prevention Education

Gang prevention instruction offered in the schools shall: 

1. Explain the dangers of gang membership. 
2. Include lessons or role-playing workshops in non-violent conflict resolution and gang avoidance skills. 
3. Promote constructive activities available in the community. 
4. Involve students in structured, goal-oriented community service projects. 
5. Encourage positive school behavior. 

Staff and law enforcement staff may teach gang prevention lessons jointly. 

Community Outreach

Gang prevention classes or counseling offered for parent(s)/guardian(s) shall address the following topics: 

1. The dangers of gang membership. 
2. The nature of local gang apparel and graffiti. 
3. Ways to deal effectively with one’s children. 
4. Warning signs that may indicate that children are at risk of becoming involved with gangs. 

Community programs offered for staff, parent(s)/guardian(s), churches, city officials, business leaders and the media shall address: 

1. The scope and nature of local gang problems. 
2. Ways that each segment of the community can help to alleviate these problems. 

Intervention Measures

Staff shall make every effort to assimilate gang-oriented students into the academic, extracurricular, and social mainstream and into work experience programs. To this end: 

1. Staff members shall be provided with the names of known gang members. 
2. Insofar as possible, classroom teachers shall assign individual gang-oriented students to cooperative learning groups in which they may work toward common goals with students who are not members of their gang. 
3. Students who seek help in rejecting gang associations may be referred to community-based gang suppression and prevention organizations.