Admin

Language at School

Language Expectations at School

At UES, students are expected to use language that promotes a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. This includes spoken words, written communication, digital messages, and behavior influenced by online trends or memes.

As outlined in Board Policy 5600 – Student Discipline/Code of Conduct, the use of disruptive or inappropriate language may lead to disciplinary consequences when it:

  • Disrespects or targets others

  • Disrupts the learning environment

  • Involves sexually explicit, degrading, or threatening remarks

  • Is tied to inappropriate online or pop culture references

  • Originates from AI tools or platforms and is harmful or misleading

🚫 Language That Is Not Allowed

The following are not permitted, even if shared as a joke or copied from social media:

❗ Inappropriate or Offensive Slang

  • Phrases like “good girl,” “good kitty,” “rizz,” “NPC,” or any terms with suggestive or degrading undertones

  • Mimicked TikTok or Discord behavior that makes others uncomfortable

🤖 AI-Generated or Manipulated Content

  • Using tools to make fake chats, voice clips, or images that mislead or target someone

💬 Profanity, Harassment, or Hate Speech

  • Cursing, slurs, or taunts

  • Language that targets someone based on race, gender, disability, religion, or identity

  • Bullying-type messages, even if sent digitally

📱 Language Shared Digitally

Under the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (HIB Law), schools must address harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) that occurs through digital communication — even off school grounds — when it substantially disrupts the school environment or causes emotional harm to a student.

This includes language or behavior sent via:

  • Text messages

  • Email

  • Chat apps (like Discord, Snap, Google Chat,etc.)

  • Gaming platforms

  • AI-generated messages or altered media

If a student sends threatening, humiliating, or harassing content to or about another student through digital means, it may be investigated as cyberbullying under the HIB law. Consequences can include:

  • Parent conference and loss of privileges

  • Suspension from school

  • In School or Out of School Detention

  • Counseling referral or behavior contract

  • A formal HIB investigation, with required reporting to the Superintendent and Board of Education

  • Possible involvement of law enforcement (if threats are severe)

✅ What We Expect

  • Be kind and respectful, in person and online

  • Do not use language or memes to make fun of others

  • Speak up or report if you see digital bullying or harmful language

  • Ask a trusted adult before using unfamiliar words or trends

📘 Reference Policies

  • Board Policy 5600 – Code of Student Conduct

  • Board Policy 5512 – Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

  • New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 et seq.)