Gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. They are contrary to the school environment and educational objectives and create an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations may occur. The use of hand signals or graffiti, or presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group is prohibited. Initiations, hazing, intimidation, and/or related activities of such group affiliations are prohibited.

The Superintendent or designee will establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia, or 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.

The Superintendent or designee will establish procedures to ensure that students will be educated on the harmful effects of gang involvement.

A gang as used in this policy includes any organization which falls within the definition of public school fraternity, sorority or secret society in Article 31 of the Illinois School Code or which has as one of its purpose or significant activities intimidating, threatening or inflicting physical violence on any person, committing illegal acts, or violating school district rules.