Students' Rights in Private School
Tuesday April 25, 2006
Well, it's an oxymoron really. Why? Because there are no students' rights per se in private schools. Have you been following the Duke University situation involving the lacrosse team? According to CNN News Duke has reportedly* suspended the two players who were arrested and charged with felony counts related to the incident. Where's the due process? Isn't this a violation of their constitutional rights? Not exactly. Unlike students at a public institution students at a private university such as Duke are covered by contract law, not constitutional law. So their rights are determined by the contract which they signed with Duke.
It's the same at private K-12 schools. You are covered by contract law. So, be warned: if your little darling decides to break school rules a few days before graduation, she could find herself expelled before she has her diploma handed to her. And there's nothing you or she can do about it. Read Students' Rights for my take on this issue.
* Duke is prohibited from disclosing what actions it has taken because of federal regulations governing privacy of student records.
Comments
Your sight is very informative. However, I am trying to find a private school for my son who is currently on the 7th grade. I need your help.
concern mom,
olga
Do not take your son to a private school! Read Mr. Kennedy’s article again.
Parents: Ask your private school if they are mandated to teach to the California standards and watch how they dance around it. These private schools are not mandated to teach to the standards, but you will be told that the curriculum that the school will be using will be “in line” with the public school sector. Ask questions. Ask, too if the teachers in the school have to get permission from the principal FIRST to call 911 should there be an emergency situation with one of the children at school. You may be surprised at the answer.