In 1809, Massachusetts became the first state to pass a law requiring immunization against smallpox. Since then, immunization laws have been a controversial topic, and to this day, it continues to be fought over in state legislatures and the courts. On one side are those who insist vaccines are safe ... READ MORE
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
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, off campus, and online. ... READ MORE
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
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
Washington students can’t legally drop out of school before they turn 18, unless they’re at least 16 and qualify for one of the exceptions. If they stop going to school before they qualify, truants and their parents could face legal proceedings. ... READ MORE
Ohio schools have programs meant to help students who skip school too often. But truants—and their parents—could still face serious consequences, including juvenile court proceedings. ... READ MORE
Students who skip too much school in Massachusetts may find themselves under the juvenile court’s supervision, and their parents may have to pay fines. ... READ MORE