Student & Youth Rights

In spite of the Supreme Court's ringing endorsement of students' rights in the landmark Tinker decision, constitutional violations are far too common in public schools across the country. Articles about controversial subjects written for student newspapers are censored. Lockers and backpacks are searched without reasonable suspicion. Minority students are disproportionately directed to lower track programs. Religious practices of the majority are officially sanctioned by teachers and school administrators. Female students are excluded from certain extracurricular activities, and gay students are intimidated into silence.

Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for the students that is conducive to learning. They also have a responsibility to respect each student's individual rights. These two missions are not incompatible.

The ACLU of PA offers several resources for students and others interested in their rights, including:

• Minors' Right to Consent to Healthcare
• Students' Rights Manual

Legal Cases

• Benda v. Upper St. Clair School District (Challenge to school board retaliation in cutting IB program)
• Layshock v. Hermitage School District (student internet posting)
• In re: Mitchell Sell (student newspaper complaint)

Press Releases

• ACLU Sues School District to Defend Students' Free Speech Rights
• ACLU Halts School Policy of Intimidating Students Who Exercise First Amendment Right Not to Salute the Flag
• Teen Rapper Case Settled

Take ACTION

• Campus Organizing Manual
• Repeal Ban on Federal Financial Aid to Students With Drug Convictions

Other

• For up-to-date information on civil liberties issues in PA, including issues that affect students and young people, check out our blog Speaking Freely!
• PA Resources for Youth (from the Juvenile Law Center)