Do Students Have Rights? - The US Supreme Court Said They Do...

Yes, students have rights even while attending school. Des Moines junior and high school students in December of 1965 had been suspended because they wore black armbands in protest to the Vietnam War.  The complaint was filed by the students’ parents as a violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution.  The US Supreme Court, in 1969, ruled in favor of the Des Moines, IA. students in a 7-2 landmark decision, saying, “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” The Court made it clear that students, whether in or out of school, are guaranteed the same Constitutional protections as every other citizen. Confirming that school authorities do not have absolute control over their students.

 Student Bill Of Rights

Across the US, students are demanding their rights to be recognized by their school administrators as students want more control over their education.  As part of the student voice movement, here are some amendments to the educational system in the form of a students' bill of rights. Students speaking out about how and what they learn in the classroom should be done so without fear of being suppressed.

Feeling Safe At School

High school students say they don't feel safe in the school environment, and some are staying home from school. In a survey, 1 in 20 high school students admitted to carrying a weapon on school property, while 19% reported being bullied at school. Students have the right to go to school feeling safe and protected.

 Students’ Right To Choose How They Learn

While curriculum requirements dictate some of the classes students must take. In some districts, students are choosing what elective courses they take and how they take them. Some states are even allowing students to choose what school they attend, whether in or out of their district. Sadly, there are school districts that still treat students as if they are not intelligent enough to control their own learning. Students are force-fed the instructional material the schools want them to learn. Students who choose their own learning path, what they learn, how they learn, and who teaches them are better prepared to face the world successfully.

There Are Still Issues

As students move forward in the pursuit of student rights, there are several more issues to be addressed. As school districts begin to recognize these rights, students will have a much easier time progressing through the school system at their pace, not the schools.

 Sources:

 Anonymous. Student Rights. 2018. National Youth Rights Association

 Balderas, Danielle. 2019.  Blog/Student Voice/ Students, do you know your rights? XQ

 Martin, Erik. 2015. 11 Rights All Students (Should) Have. Getting Smarter

Junior Scholastic (image) https://junior.scholastic.com/issues/2018-19/010719/this-girl-fought-for-free-speech.html