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Students' Rights
Topics
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Fourth Amendment and Privacy Rights at School
Learn how the constitutional protections against unreasonable searches apply to public school students.
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Free Speech at School
The First Amendment protects public school students’ right to freedom of expression, but there are limits on free speech—especially in K-12 schools.
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Harassment & Bullying
Learn what schools are required to do about bullying and harassment, when bullying is a crime, and what parents can do about it.
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School Discipline
Schools have considerable leeway when punishing students, from detention to suspension or expulsion. But students have rights in school disciplinary proceedings.
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Special Education
Federal law guarantees special education services for students who need them because of physical, emotional, or learning disabilities. Learn about IEPs, eligibility, and special rules for disciplining special needs children.
Recent Articles
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What Is “Reasonable Suspicion” for Searching Students at School?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
If a teacher or principal searches your backpack or cellphone without a good reason, the search could be a violation of your privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment. ... Read more
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Freedom of Expression in School: An Overview
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Learn the basics of how the First Amendment protects the right of public K-12 students to express their views, including when and how school officials may limit free speech rights on campus, ... Read more
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Can Schools Punish Students for Online or Off-Campus Speech?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
The Supreme Court has held that public schools may limit some—but not all—off-campus speech by K-12 students, including social media posts. ... Read more
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When Can Schools Limit Students’ Free Speech Rights?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Students don’t lose their First Amendment rights by going to public school, but they can still be punished for some kinds of speech—or other ways of expressing their opinions. ... Read more
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Can My School Force Me to Take a Drug Test?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Schools may require drug tests for some students in some circumstances. Learn how Fourth Amendment search-and-seizure rules apply to testing for illegal substances at school. ... Read more
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What Are the Rules for Disciplining Special Ed Students?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Learn what public schools have to do before they can discipline special ed kids by moving them to different classrooms or suspending them for more than 10 days. ... Read more
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Bullying and Harassment at School
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
What can parents do if their children are being bullied at school, on social media, or through texts? When is bullying or cyberbullying a crime? ... Read more
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Fourth Amendment Rights and Searches at School: Frequently Asked Questions
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
When can a teacher or principal search a student’s phone, locker, or backpack? Can a school force you to take a drug test or conduct a strip search? Look below for answers to common questi ... Read more
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When Can Schools Search Students and Their Belongings?
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Schools have more leeway than police when searching students’ pockets, backpacks, lockers, and other belongings, but there are limits. ... Read more
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