Teens and the Law: You and School
Some of your peers have taken a stand regarding incidents at school. As a result, the courts have had to consider your individual rights.
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You and School (0)
Do any states have laws that specifically protect student expression?
The answer is yes - there are at least seven states with laws on the books regarding different forms of student expression. As you know, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants you freedom of speech and ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Do students have a right to cell-phone privacy while at school?
In May, 2007 a school security officer at Monarch High School in Colorado saw a 16-year-old sophomore smoking in the school parking lot. He took the student to the assistant principal's office where his cell-phone was ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Can I go to school if I have HIV or AIDS?
Ryan White was thirteen years old when he was diagnosed with the virus that causes AIDS. He had been infected by treatments for his hemophilia. In 1985, he was barred from attending his high school ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
I′m a student with a disability. What rights do I have?
Not long ago, children with disabilities were excluded from the same educational advantages given to students without disabilities. Beginning in 1975, a number of federal laws were passed by the U.S.Congress that drastically improved the ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Are my grades public information?
School records, which may include medical, legal, criminal, or mental health information, aren′t public records. This means that only certain people have access to them. If you′re under eighteen, you may be able to review ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Do I have to pray at school?
In 1989, two prayers were given by a rabbi at a Rhode Island middle school graduation ceremony. Fourteen-year-old Deborah* and her father objected to the prayers, but to no avail. School policy permitted principals to ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Do I have complete freedom of expression in school?
No one, whether a juvenile or adult (student or not), has complete freedom of expression without some limits. The government may place reasonable restrictions on our freedoms. For example, city laws about loud noise at ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Can I be forced to take a drug or urine test if I go out for sports?
The issue of drug testing at school concerns everyone on campus. While in session, your school is considered to be your temporary guardian. In that capacity, the school exercises a degree of supervision and control ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Can my property be searched and seized?
The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Does this apply to you at school? Yes. Does it mean that your locker or backpack are off-limits to school personnel? No. Your school has a ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Why can′t I wear what I want to school?
Not only has every parent in America been asked this question at one time or other; so have the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. As a result of a decision they made in ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
What if I damage school property?
All students are responsible for taking care of their books and school materials. If yours are damaged or lost, you may have to pay the replacement or repair costs.You′ll also have to pay the repair ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Do I have to obey my teacher?
At the beginning of the school year, you may be given a copy of the school′s rules regarding what′s expected and the consequences for noncompliance. When you break a school rule, you may face civil ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
What will happen to me if I ditch school?
State law requires you to be in school for a certain number of days each school year. There is also a maximum number of days allowed for unexcused absences. Once you hit that number, you′ll ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
How long do I have to stay in school?
Different states have different ages for compulsory school attendance. You can call any school or district office to find out what′s required where you live. If you stop going to school before graduating from high school, ...
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You and School, Q&A (0)
Do I have to go to school?
By law, all U.S. children are required to go to school. Public education is free, as is transportation to and from school (in most communities), and breakfast and lunch programs are provided for qualifying students. ...
