OUR SCHOOL
Student Code of Ethics
In the pursuit of knowledge and education, students enrolled at Liberty Academy must maintain a constant commitment to academic ethics. Liberty Academy cultivates an environment that fosters critical thinking and learning, and to safeguard the integrity of the institution, students are expected to follow the policies of the school.
General Conduct
All students are expected to respect and value the rights of others and conduct themselves as responsible citizens. Choosing to join the school community obligates each student to abide by a code of respectful behavior. The following personal actions, whether on- or off-campus, are prohibited. The following list contains specific conduct that is prohibited by Liberty Academy under this Code. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, and Liberty Academy reserves the right to impose sanctions on students for personal actions which may not be expressly identified.
1. Bullying
Bullying is systematic intentional behavior that threatens, intimidates, or is intended to threaten or intimidate others. Bullying may take many forms, including but not limited to, repeated unwanted physical, verbal, or written acts, which are hostile or offensive; that target at an individual or group and create an intimidating and/or threatening environment or a risk of psychological and/or physical harm. Bullying may manifest as cyber stalking or cyber bullying as well as behaviors such as ignoring or dismissing individuals or groups.
a. Hostile behaviors include, but are not limited to, inappropriate behaviors that are harmful or damaging to an individual and/or property. Behaviors that are intimidating, threatening, disruptive, humiliating, sarcastic or vicious may also constitute hostile behavior. Offensive behaviors may include, but are not limited to, inappropriate behaviors such as abusive language, derogatory remarks, or insults.
b. Other offensive behaviors may include the use of condescending, humiliating, or vulgar language, swearing, shouting or use of unsuitable language, use of obscene gestures or mocking.
2. Disruptive Behavior
Includes the disruption of school activities and school business in classes, programs, meetings, and other student activities. Disruption may include disorderly conduct, lewd or indecent behavior, breach of peace, or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on school premises or at functions sponsored by or participated in by the school.
3. Gangs
Involvement in gang-related activities includes, but is not limited to, the display of gang symbols, gang paraphernalia, colors, signs, or graffiti. A gang is defined as a group of individuals with identifiable leadership that conspires and acts in concert, for criminal purposes. Behavior on or about school premises or at school-sponsored events that creates conflict or an atmosphere of intimidation or creates a clear and present danger to life or property, or disrupts orderly operation, is prohibited.
4. Hazing
Hazing means any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause degradation, cruelty, or humiliation), or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation in, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. The school prohibits hazing.
5. Possession/Use of Alcohol and Drugs
This includes the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of illegal drugs (under federal or state law), controlled substances, narcotics, or alcoholic beverages or being under the unauthorized influence of the same on campus. Prohibited conduct includes the use of a prescription drug if the prescription was not issued to the student and sniffing toxic vapors.
6. Possession/Use of Weapons
Liberty Academy prohibits the possession, use, control, or distribution of any weapons, including but not limited to, firearms, pellet guns, air pistols/rifles, explosives, dangerous chemicals, knives, stilettos, dirks, brass knuckles, licensed weapons, or other objects or instruments possessed for use as a weapon.
7. Complicity in Violating the Student Code of Conduct
Liberty Academy does not condone any complicit behavior that assists or results in a violation of this Code. Such behavior includes attempting, aiding, abetting, conspiring to commit, hiring someone to commit, or being an accessory to any act prohibited by this Code. If a student has knowledge of another student, individual, or group committing or attempting to commit a violation of this Code, he or she is required to remove him or herself from the situation and report it to the school.
Classroom/Field Experience Conduct
Students have the right to learn without interference from others. Faculty members have the authority to protect this right by creating and maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning. Liberty Academy is an institution of learning and teaching and strives to maintain a climate of respect, sensitivity, and courtesy.
Classroom/field experience misconduct is any behavior which disrupts or interferes with the learning experience or violates the expectations of any instructor. Students are required and expected to conduct themselves in a considerate manner. Interruptions and disruptions of the classroom atmosphere inhibit and prevent learning and teaching. Students are expected to conduct and express themselves in a way that is respectful to all individuals. This includes respecting the rights of others to comment and participate fully in class as well as following specific guidelines provided by the school or its instructors.
Summary
Liberty Academy is committed to a policy of equal treatment, opportunity, and respect in its relations with its faculty, administrators, staff, students, and others who come into contact with the school. Every member of the school’s staff is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, and any other legally protected status; physically assaulting, emotionally abusing, or harassing anyone; and depriving anyone of rights in his or her physical or intellectual property, under Liberty Academy’s policy, or under federal, state, and local laws.