Students’ Rights
We created a separate section for students’ rights, because schools often act as if the Bill of Rights doesn’t apply to students. It’s not uncommon for students to be denied the right to hand out leaflets, to wear clothing that expresses their opinions, to form clubs, and even to wear their hair as they please. In some cases, the problems may stem from administrators and teachers who are ignorant about students’ rights—but in other cases, the students’ rights are denied because that is more convenient for the school or teacher.
Read more about students’ rights and their importance for a free society.
What Is the Military Doing in Your School?
Schools are supposed to help children learn, but too many schools simply reinforce unquestioning obedience and respect for the powers that be—and some schools support the military recruiting machine against the educational and personal interests of their students. Recruiters in … more
Why Students’ Rights Are So Important
Although some schools act as if the Bill of Rights doesn’t apply to students in school, the Supreme Court of the U.S. has made clear that it does apply. In many schools right here in the Lehigh Valley, students are denied … more
Students’ Rights in Pennsylvania
Lehigh ValleyThe U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions guarantee certain rights, and most of them apply to students in public schools. The Pennsylvania School Code and the federal Equal Access Act spell out some additional rights for public-school students. For instance, students … more
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948 On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the … more
The Bill of Rights
(Amendments 1–10 to the U.S. Constitution, Ratified December 15, 1791) Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the … more
Recruiting in schools op-ed
Military has too much access to schools Balance needed on recruiting information Where have all the young men [and women] gone? Gone for soldiers every one When will they ever learn…. (from “Where Have all the Flowers Gone” by Pete … more
Misconduct by Recruiters
Wars and occupation by U.S. forces have increased the pressure on recruiters, and government reports show a dramatic increase in the number of incidents of misconduct by recruiters, ranging from omitting important facts to helping young people cheat to sexual … more
No Child Left Alone?
A little-known provision of the “No Child Left Behind” Act requires secondary schools to give students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers to a military recruiter upon request. The same section also gives recruiters access to students in school. NOTE: A … more
Military Testing in Our Schools
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) What Students, Parents, and Educators Should Know about Military Testing in High Schools NOTE: According to the Pennsylvania School Code, schools must inform parents and obtain their written permission before giving tests like the … more