School Security and Students’ Rights

In a post-Columbine world, school administrations have to walk the delicate balance between the safety of their students and staff, and infringing on the rights of the people they are charged with protecting. Are their decisions justified? Like on a national level, how do we balance questions freedom and privacy with those of security?

The Free Child Project
The Free Child Project advocates for human rights for students. Browse their Student Rights Directory, with helpful links to relevant topics.
http://www.freechild.org/student_rights.htm

American Friends Service Committee
The American Friends Service Committee provides a very accessible overview of high school students' rights.
http://afsc.org/youthmil/militarism-in-schools/High-school-students-rights.htm

Student Press Law Center
Although slightly dated, this article from 2000 addresses the balance between fear of violence and potential violations of student rights.
http://www.splc.org/report_detail.asp?id=574&edition=6

Talk of the Nation
”In the wake of the Columbine tragedy, students across the country are being disciplined for activities ranging from discussing violent impulses to wearing black clothing. Eleven students in Ohio were suspended for posting satirical essays about reaction to the Columbine shootings on their website. Join Ray Suarez and guests to discuss the tension between protecting schools and protecting students' rights.”
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1050129

Exploring Constitutional Conflicts at UMKC
Overview of court cases featuring the free speech rights of students. Be sure to scroll down for information about the Frederick v. Morse, decided in June 2007 by the Supreme Court, in which a student was suspended for 10 days for "promoting illegal substances" at a school sponsored event with a controversial banner.
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts

If you're interested researching the Frederick v. Morse case, read the ACLU's opinion here.

Religious Tolerance: Friction Over Clothing and Jewelry
This website tracks recent cases of students and schools clashing over freedom of dress. Check out their citations at the bottom of the page, too.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/sch_clot5.htm