The board of trustees is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Gang activities create an atmosphere of intimidation in the entire school community and disrupts the educational process. Gang activity, symbols, or behaviors that promote violence, intimidation, or disruption are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. Groups of individuals that meet the definition of gangs herein shall be restricted from school grounds and school activities.
DEFINITION
For purposes of this policy, a “gang” is defined as any group of three or more individuals, whether formal or informal, that has a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, and associate together to advocate, conspire, or commit:
- One or more criminal acts; or
- Acts which threaten the safety or well-being of property or persons, including, but not limited to, harassment and intimidation.
A “criminal gang” shall be as defined in Idaho Code §18-8502.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Students shall not:
- Display, wear, or possess clothing, jewelry, symbols, or other items that indicate gang affiliation or membership.
- Display tattoos which may be affiliated with any gang and/or representative of any gang.
- Engage in any act, whether verbal or nonverbal, including gestures or handshakes, showing membership in or affiliation with any gang and/or that is representative of any gang.
- Engage in any act furthering the interest of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to:
a. Soliciting membership in or affiliation with a gang;
b. Soliciting any person to pay for protection or threatening another person, explicitly or implicitly, with violence or with any other illegal or prohibited act;
c. Painting, writing, or otherwise inscribing gang-related graffiti, messages, symbols, or signs on school property; or
d. Engaging in violence, extortion, or any other illegal act or other violation federal, state, or local law or district policy.
DISCIPLINE
Disciplinary action for violation of this policy may include suspension and/or expulsion. The district may also notify law enforcement of any violations of this policy.
PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
District staff will be trained to recognize early warning signs for youth with affiliations to gangs and will report suspected gang activity to school administration. Parents and guardians will be notified when their student is suspected to be involved with gang related activities. The district may also partner with families, community organizations, and law enforcement to prevent gang involvement.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Idaho Code Sections
18-8502 – Definitions (Idaho Criminal Gang Enforcement Act)
33-512 – Governance of Schools
CROSS-REFERENCE:
540 – Maintenance of Orderly Conduct
541 – Prohibition of Weapons
542 – Searches by School Officials
543 – Student Suspension
544 – Student Expulsion/Denial of Enrollment
545 – Disciplining Students with Disabilities (IDEA)
546 – Disciplining Students with Disabilities (504)
550 – Assault and Battery
551 – Student Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use
552 – Hazing Prohibition
ADOPTED: February 18, 2026
AMENDED: