Scarsdale Board Reviews Code of Conduct and Discusses Proposed New Guidelines on Student Expression
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After several incidents in the schools last spring sparked controversy over political speech and attire, the Scarsdale Board of Education drafted and proposed new “Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities” in May. Those guidelines were met with reservations from members of the community who feared a chilling affect on free speech. According to the district, “A comment form was opened for public feedback, and 109 comments were received.”
At the July 15, 2026 meeting, a revised draft was included in the agenda that defines “which activities are included, and clarify that the guidelines apply to student participants (as opposed to audience members, for example).”
You can review the new proposed guidelines here:
On Wednesday, the Board continued its discussion on proposed guidelines for student expression at school-sponsored activities, with administrators emphasizing that the document remains a draft and will be revised again before the start of the school year. Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick said the guidelines are intended to make existing practices more transparent, not to create new rules.
"We're not required to have board approval of regulations that associate with board policies," Patrick said. "It's been our practice to do that... because it's a way to inform the board and the public of how the administration is going about implementing the policy."
Patrick said the guidelines "emanate from the administration's felt need to more clearly articulate our current practice" for school-sponsored activities and noted that revisions reflect more than 100 public comments. He stressed that the guidelines "stand apart from the code of conduct," are "not part of the code of conduct," and "we're not taking any action" to adopt them at this time. Instead, the district plans to revisit the draft at its August meeting.
Several board members expressed appreciation for the administration's efforts while raising concerns about the draft's language.
Board member Leah Dembitzer said terms related to political expression remain "vague" and warned that uncertainty "causes a chilling effect because there's uncertainty over what is allowable and what is not allowable."
Board member Kevin Ziegler echoed those concerns, saying the section on political advocacy "might be worth another look."
Board member Jim Dugan said he continues to struggle with language that "can kind of approach reading like a blanket prohibition on political expression," adding that he does not want Scarsdale to become "the only school district that tells our students you cannot engage in any political expression of any kind at any school activity ever."
Patrick acknowledged the challenge of balancing student expression with the district's responsibility to oversee school-sponsored events.
"The act of writing this down can create interpretations that chill... the perception of something that we don't believe the words mean," he said. "How we attend to that possibility while still feeling like we have a tool is the challenge."
The board will continue reviewing the proposed guidelines before considering their implementation for the 2026-27 school year.
Public Comments
Several residents urged the Scarsdale Board of Education to reconsider the proposed guidelines arguing the district's existing Code of Conduct already addresses misconduct while raising concerns about First Amendment protections.
Alissa Baum thanked the board for seeking public input and revising the proposal but said she remained opposed to the guidelines. She said, "It still disappoints me that you're pursuing these guidelines because I do think the code of conduct amply covers what's going on," Baum said. She praised revisions clarifying that the rules apply to participants rather than spectators and encouraged the board to further clarify how the guidelines would apply to student clubs, school newspapers, and symbolic speech.”
Rokaya Hassabala questioned the need for the proposal, asking, "What educational problem are these guidelines solving that our existing policies do not already solve?" She argued that existing policies already prohibit "harassment, discrimination, threats, bullying, obscenity, and behavior that disrupts school" and urged the district to withdraw the proposal.
Jordan Copeland raised constitutional issues with the draft.
He said, “First, it applies the same restrictive standard to two categories of student speech that aren’t the same constitutionally. Second, it specifically bans political speech, which is a significant First Amendment problem.
Starting with what’s legitimate, under Hazelwood, the District can control speech that’s part of a school-sponsored program like a newspaper, a yearbook, an approved speech, a graded assignment, or a theatrical production, because those are put out through the school and appear to carry the school’s approval.
But a school-sponsored event doesn’t turn every participating student’s personal expression into school-sponsored speech. A student wearing a button to an art exhibition, or a player kneeling at a football game are exercising personal expression, which is constitutionally protected more than school sponsored speech. The personal speech can only be restricted if it causes, or can reasonably be expected to cause, real disruption, or if it infringes on someone else’s rights, or involves harassment or safety concerns.
The second problem is that political speech can’t be singled out in a policy or in enforcement. A student performer can be prohibited from using the mic during a performance to make a statement about the Middle East, but the same prohibition would apply to a student who uses the mic to promote their YouTube channel. A student actor can’t ad-lib political lines into a play, but they can’t ad-lib comedy lines either. A student orchestra member can’t wear a Black Lives Matter shirt, but they also can’t wear a Taylor Swift shirt, because of the formal dress code for the performance. In every one of these examples, the problem isn’t politics. It’s disruption, misuse of a school platform, or breaking a neutral rule that applies to everyone equally. And the District can’t ban political clothing outright just because it’s political, or because it’s worn at a school-sponsored event.
I'd also point out that in one way the latest revision actually made one constitutional problem worse. The earlier draft limited political symbols that "may reasonably be expected to create disruption." I previously objected to the added references to "division" and "controversy," because those aren’t the legal standard. But the disruption language at least tied the policy to Tinker's requirement that a school can restrict speech if there’s a reasonable forecast of material and substantial disruption. Without that language, the current ban on political viewpoints is even less defensible.
Scarsdale’s Code of Conduct already meets the correct constitutional standard. It protects students’ right to express their views while allowing the District to regulate speech that disrupts school operations.
So I urge the Board not to adopt these guidelines as written. If administrators or teachers need additional guidance, it should be limited to neutral rules about scripts, microphones, and school-controlled platforms. And the Board should have district counsel directly address how a policy that specifically targets political speech can be squared with First Amendment law.”
Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez said, “I continue to be extremely concerned about the draft “Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities and its current revision. The removal of the "disruption" language is the only improvement in the new version. Yet, the proposed guidelines continue to be extraordinarily vague and do not acknowledge the constitutional protections that students do have in school. Board members have all taken an oath to uphold the constitution.”
Scarsdale resident Abby Balbale thanked the Board of Education for seeking additional public input and revising the proposed student expression guidelines but argued the latest draft still raises significant constitutional concerns.
Balbale said she appreciated the removal of the phrase "disruption, division, or controversy," but contended that the revision "worsens the core issue by stripping away any threshold of material disruption."
She argued that the proposal "looks dangerously like an absolute blanket ban on student political speech at school events" and questioned how the policy would be applied, asking whether "a student who wears a pride pin to prom" could be required to remove it.
Balbale also expressed concern that the guidelines could limit classroom assignments and student journalism, saying, "It simply says that political advocacy has no place in student assignments, and that is really scary."
She concluded by urging the district to withdraw the proposal, arguing that "our existing policies already give our administrators and our teachers complete authority to stop hate speech, harassment, bullying, or any actual operational disruptions." Instead, she said, the district should "trust our educators, trust our existing code of conduct to handle genuine disruptions, and continue to let Scarsdale students learn how to think, argue, and engage with the world."
Board President Suzie Hahn thanked the speakers and said the board would address the comments during its later discussion of the proposed guidelines.
Code of Conduct
The Board also held its annual public hearing on the district's Code of Conduct with administrators recommending no changes for the 2026-27 school year while discussing artificial intelligence, student conduct, and free expression.
Assistnat Superintendent Eric Rauschenbach noted that a committee of stakeholders discussed how artificial intelligence relates to plagiarism and harassment but concluded existing language already covers inappropriate AI use. "The use of AI in ways that violate the code of conduct... are all covered. It's really a means to how kids are breaking the code of conduct, rather than AI itself being a violation."
Rauschenbach said student committee members suggested creating a one- to two-page summary of the Code of Conduct for secondary students to make expectations more accessible.
During the hearing, board members asked about staff training to investigate harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Rauschenbach said administrators receive specialized training through McGrath to ensure investigations are conducted equitably, while teachers receive additional training on recognizing bullying, harassment, and student distress.
During the public hearing, Scarsdale resident Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez commended the district's Code of Conduct for recognizing students' rights to "oral expression, written expression, symbolic expression, peaceful assembly, and inviting speakers under appropriate circumstances."
After comparing Scarsdale's policies with those of neighboring districts, Rodriguez said she found that while the district already provides "meaningful protections for student expression," its policies "could provide greater clarity by more explicitly explaining the constitutional principles that govern student speech."
Scarsdale Schools Welcome New Teachers and Theater Director for 2026-27
The Board of Education also welcomed four new educators as the district continues preparations for the 2026-27 school year.
Assistant Superintendent Meghan Troy introduced the new hires, saying the district is "still onboarding and welcoming new faces to Scarsdale."
Ryan Kelleher joins Scarsdale High School as a physics teacher after previously teaching at Stepinac High School in White Plains. Farrell said Kelleher's focus on "hands-on learning experiences" aligns with the district's instructional goals.
Christine Hamilton was introduced as an elementary special education teacher in an integrated fourth grade co-teaching classroom at Fox Meadow School. Farrell praised her emphasis on "relationship building, including families, students, and colleagues," adding that her "warmth and approachability will be welcomed by all in Scarsdale."
Mary Feighery will serve as a full-time science leave replacement teacher at Scarsdale Middle School. Farrell highlighted Ferry's previous work in Mamaroneck and said, "Her love of science and her deep commitment to supporting all learners will be an asset to everyone in Scarsdale."
The district also welcomed Anya Washington as its new theater director. Farrell said Washington demonstrated "both an expertise in the technical aspects of the position and a student-centered approach to instruction," adding that the district looks forward to seeing "her impact on and off the stage."
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
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After many meetings, surveys and analysis, the Scarsdale School District Food Service Committee recommened that the District Say NO to the National School Lunch Program.
Though 60% of parents surveyed are not happy with the current school lunch program, they don’t believe that moving to a universal free lunch program offered by New York State is the solution.
The Food Service Committee met during the school year and surveyed district parents to determine their satisfaction with the current program – and to determine what was important to them.
Would participation in a free lunch program called the National School Lunch Program improve food service? After analyzing the survey results and learning about the requirements of the national program, the committee recommended that that the district should not participate in this free lunch program. Though their report was slated for review at a June school board meeting, the meeting agenda grew too long and the committee’s report was never discussed by the Board of Education.
In order to qualify for the free lunches, the district would have to adhere to strict guidelines that would limit the use of ingredients, portion size and meal flexibility. The committee determined that these restrictions would compromise the food program and make it less likely, rather than more likely, that students would consume the school supplied lunches.
Furthermore, district participation in the program would preclude the elementary schools from holding special events involving lunch, such as “Pizza Days” which is a favorite of elementary school parents and kids.
And though the lunch would be more economical and save parents money, the survey showed that cost was not significant to parents who were willing to pay for healthy, palatable meals.
Here is a chart comparing Scarsdale’s food service vs. the National Lunch Program.
And here is a chart showing the pros and cons of program participation:
For all these reasons, the committee concluded that the district should NOT participate in the universal free lunch program.
Instead, they recommended that the district focus on the following to improve current meal service:
Based on the extensive work of the committee, the following recommendation is made to the Board of Education for consideration.
-Renew the existing contract as-is and do not participate in the National School Lunch Program for 2026-2027 School year. The district should continue to operate the Food Service Program under the current format.
-Using the information gained this year, as well as follow-up research and discussion as necessary, identify meaningful adjustments to continue to improve the quality and variety of food offerings.
Boys Varsity A Tennis Team Wins NYS Title!
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The NY Knicks are not the only team who had an exciting weekend.
The Scarsdale High School Boys Varsity Tennis Team are Division 1 Champions after triumphing over Syosset High School at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens with a score of 4-3 on Friday June 12, 2026. The team win was on the heels of an historic individual win by Scarsdale Senior Jack Reis who won the NYS Singles titles last weekend.
Pictured above from left to right are: Front row: Emmett Klingsberg (So), Ethan Goh (Fr), Nathan Appleman (So), Kaito Tsukamoto (So) Back row: Coach Roane, Jeffrey Huang (Fr), Sean Ma (Fr), Mark Ha (So), Jerry Jin (Sr), Dylan Pai (Sr), Chris Srovnik (Jr), Jack Reis (Sr), Charlie Robertson (Jr), Lucas Yao (Sr), Matthew Nussbaum (Sr), Rohan Sehgal (Sr), Coach Kumaresan.
The match for the state championship was a close one, with Scarsdale coming out 4-3. The line up includes seven courts, first, second and third Singles, and four doubles teams.
Here was the line up for the final match against Syosett (and the scores of the matches won by Scarsdale):
Singles
1st: Jack Reis 6-0, 6-2
Charlie Robertson, Emmett Klingsberg, Nathan Appleman, Chris Srovnik
2nd: Lucas Yao 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
3rd: Dylan Pai 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
1st: Kaito Tsukamoto/Ethan Goh
2nd: Charlie Robertson/Mark Ha
3rd: Jerry Jin/Jeffrey Huang
4th: Nathan Appleman/Emmett Klingsberg
7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-4
Scarsdale was first up 2-0 after wins on the first and third singles courts, from Jack Reis and Dylan Pai. Then Syosett took the first and third doubles matches, tying up the overall match to 2-2. All eyes turned to the second singles court, where Scarsdale’s Lucas Yao won in three sets, putting the match at 3-2 in favor of Scarsdale. The fourth doubles players, Nathan Appleman and Emmett Klingsberg clinched the championship for the team when they won their match in three sets, putting the Raiders at 4-2, which meant that Scarsdale won the title. But tthe last doubles match (2nd doubles) was permitted to finish, and Syosett won, so the final score was 4-3.
The team is led by Coach Jennifer Roane, who in June 2025 was named the Coach of the Year by National Federation of Coaches Association. Michael Kumaresan is the Assistant Coach.
In 2022 and 2023 the Varsity A Girls Tennis Team, also coached by Roane, won the NYS Division 1 Title.
Roane said, "The entire team has been working towards being state champions since March. We knew that the match against Syosset would be challenging. They have been state Champions for the past three years. The boys were physically and mentally ready to play on Friday. I'm thrilled that their dedication to the team and many hours of work has been rewarded with a state title."
Commenting on the big win, Jack Reis added, "The State Team Championship was an unforgettable experience. The team has worked very hard this season and I am proud of everyone on the team! Everyone contributed throughout the tournament, and it was amazing to see our younger players step up in big moments.
What made the team title especially meaningful was that we defeated Syosset in the final. When I was a freshman, Scarsdale lost to Syosset in the state championship finals, so to come back 3 years later and beat them in such a close match felt like a full-circle moment for our program. Watching our 4th doubles team clinch the deciding point was one of the most exciting moments I’ve experienced in tennis."
Team members pose for a photo with State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Seniors Matthew, Jerry Jin, Jack Reis, Dylan Pai, Rohan Sehgal and Lucas Yao pose for a photo back at school.
LWVS Implores BOE to Turn Down Proposed Guidelines that Limit Free Expression in the Schools
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In the wake of a few events at Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School, where students made political statements or demonstrated their beliefs in their selection of what they wore, the Scarsdale School District issued new proposed guidelines for student expression at school sponsored activities.
In short, the guidelines would limit freedom of expression at school sponsored activities. The proposal says, “…school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.”
Intended to address the kinds of expression that some found troubling, these new guidelines may be equally as troubling to those who value free speech and expression in the schools.
Some have expressed concern about the potential interpretation of the new guidelines: i.e. what constitutes a school sponsored event? And how can one define the word “reasonably” in the ban on attire “that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.” Furthermore, the new guidelines could be difficult to enforce equitably as they leave much of the authority to the teacher, coach or staff member supervising the students at the time. And perhaps paramount is the potential to impede the expression of ideas that one student or another might find uncomfortable.
Addressing these concerns, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale sent the following letter to the Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District. The proposed guidelines are expected to be discussed at the meeting of the Scarsdale School Board on Monday night June 8 at 6:30 pm.
Here is the letter from the League:
June 5, 2026
Dear Members of the Scarsdale Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District Administration:
The Board of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) believes the proposed Guidelines for Student Expression are unnecessary and problematic. We urge the Scarsdale School District Administration to withdraw the proposed guidelines. The existing Scarsdale School District Code of Conduct for students along with established policies and procedures sufficiently address disruption, harassment, bullying, threats, and other conduct that may interfere with the educational environment without the need for additional restrictions on student expression.
The League of Women Voters has a long-standing commitment to the principles of free expression, informed civic participation, and the open exchange of ideas. To that end, the LWVS Board implores the District to abandon plans for implementing the proposed guidelines and to foster a school environment where students may learn to think critically, engage respectfully with differing viewpoints, and negotiate exposure to what may be unpopular, unwelcome, or controversial beliefs.
Sincerely,
Beth Cukier
Here are the new proposed guidelines:
Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities
The purpose of these guidelines is to help ensure that school-sponsored activities remain focused on students, learning, and community, and are free from disruption or controversy. While we respect students’ rights to express themselves, school-sponsored events are not a forum for messaging that may distract from or detract from the shared experience. These expectations are grounded in the District’s Dress Code as outlined in Board of Education Policy 5300, specifically within Regulation 5.
Guiding Principle
Our goal is to maintain school-sponsored activities as inclusive, respectful experiences that celebrate students and their work while minimizing distractions or issues that may detract from the experience for others.
Alignment with District Dress Code
As stated in District policy, responsibility for dress and general appearance rests with students and parents; however, student attire must meet standards related to health, safety, and maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. This includes ensuring that attire does not:
Advocate illegal or violent activities
Interfere with learning or the purpose of the activity
Students may not wear attire or engage in speech that is obscene or libelous, or that denigrates others based on race, color, weight, religion, national origin, ethnic group, religious practice, gender (identity or expression), sex, sexual orientation, or disability. Attire or speech may also not promote, endorse or encourage alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.
Political Advocacy and Messaging
While students have the right to personal expression, school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.
Application to School-Sponsored Activities
These expectations apply to all school-sponsored events, whether they occur during or outside of the regular school day. This includes, but is not limited to, performances, sporting events, club events, graduation, prom, etc. In addition:
Students must follow any activity-specific expectations set by advisors, coaches, or staff (e.g., performance attire, athletic uniforms, safety gear, deviations from approved scripts or speeches).
Footwear and any required protective equipment must be worn when appropriate.
Adults responsible for supervising school-sponsored activities have the authority to set and communicate reasonable expectations for student expression that may not be explicitly outlined in the dress code or other printed guidelines, based on the nature and purpose of the activity.
Enforcement
In accordance with District policy, a student may be required to remove, cover, or replace attire that does not meet these expectations. Student speakers or performers may be required to withdraw from participation in activities when speech does not meet these expectations. Refusal to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from the activity and/or progressive discipline, up to and including suspension.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team Advances to Section A Final
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Junior Luke Iasiello (#15) chases down the ball after a faceoff.The Scarsdale High School Varsity Boys Lacrosse Team advanced to the Class A Section 1 final with a 10-7 win over White Plains in the semifinals on Friday, May 29th. 
Junior Jordan Jahrmarkt (#6) works to control the ball against White Plains defenders.
The Raiders, seeded third, controlled enough of the game to stay ahead of the second-seeded Tigers throughout. The game was close, but White Plains never got within two goals in the second half. Scarsdale now faces a major challenge in the Section 1 final, taking on Mamaroneck — the consensus top team in Section 1 — at Yorktown High School on Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game. To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Sophomore Shane Kelly (#2) winds up to take a shot on goal.
Junior Turner Mauro (#14) charges up the field.
Freshman Chase Horowitz (#10) follows through on a powerful shot.
Junior Connor Coakley (#8) delivers a stick check on a White Plains ball carrier.
Sophomore Bennett Brooks (#32) moves upfield with a White Plains defender in pursuit.
Mauro (#14) drives toward the goal looking for an opening.
Junior Lars Burrows (#18) heads upfield with the ball.
Senior Colin Brennan (#22) fires a pass downfield.
Iasiello (#15) goes airborne with an acrobatic shot that finds the back of the net.
Junior Bryant Puktun (#19) makes a save in goal.
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