BREA : Policy Limits School Political Activity

People supporting political causes may soon face strict campaign restrictions on school campuses in the Brea-Olinda Unified School District.

By a 6-1 vote, school board members last week tentatively adopted a policy that would allow the public to voice political opinions and hand out campaign brochures in campus parking lots--but not when school is in session.

The board is expected to formally adopt the policy as soon as next week.

Under the proposed policy, posting signs on school buildings or fences also would be prohibited. Also, campaign workers would not be allowed to block school entrances or interfere with school-related activities such as athletic events. Handing out political literature at a game would be considered a violation of the new policy because it might interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the game, school officials said.

Trustee Todd A. Spitzer, who voted against the policy, said he opposes restricting political activity, especially sign-posting on school property while classes are not in session.

He said the policy has been in the works since he began campaigning on school campuses when he ran for a school board seat last year.

“One of the reasons I was successful in my campaign was because I was able to go to football games and other school activities and put my posters up and talk to the community,” said Spitzer, who also serves as an Orange County deputy district attorney.

He said school officials tried to stop him from campaigning at Brea-Olinda High School but that he threatened to sue the school district because what he was doing was legal.

“I defeated an incumbent,” Spitzer said. “That’s the only reason why this policy is being considered--to protect the incumbent.”

Other board members denied that charge, saying the new policy would protect students from being inundated by politicians’ speeches, signs and literature.

The policy is not meant to “stifle anyone from campaigning,” board president Barbara Paxton said. “Kids are in school for an education, not to be a captive audience for political purposes.”

Spitzer, however, said that the policy would make running against incumbents nearly impossible.