Schools' Ad Policy Bars Profanity, 'Discussion of Public Issues'

The Hillsborough Board of Education OK'd a new policy on advertising for school property at Monday's meeting — but don't look for ads from Abercrombie and Fitch or the next Avengers movie: neither would likely meet the district's guidelines.

The policy will enable the board to approve contracts with advertisers for signs or sponsorships on school property and buses, as well as on the district website or in newsletters.

The policy notes the board "will not allow any advertising on school property to become a public forum for dissemination, debate, or discussion of public issues."

Also, advertising deemed "false, misleading, deceptive, disrespectful, fraudulent, or libelous" or is obscene, profane, vulgar, offensive, or reasonably determined not to be in good taste" is prohibited. Also banned are ads promoting gambling, tobacco and alcohol, sexual activity, violence or anti-social behavior.

Advertisers must bid on any proposed advertising, which the board can reject.

But the policy states the board welcomes the opportunity to bolster revenue with possible advertising.