The backpack search
Between classes, an assistant principal stops you in the hallway. "Another student said you might have something you shouldn't. I need to look in your backpack." Other students are watching. You know you haven't done anything wrong, and you also know your backpack has private things in it, notes, medication, your journal.
你可以怎么做？
选择一个回应，看看通常会怎样发展。
一般原则
- School officials need reasonable suspicion, not certainty and not a warrant, to search a student's belongings (New Jersey v. T.L.O.).
- Stating non-consent is legal and is not defiance; physical resistance is what creates new problems.
- A search must stay reasonable in scope relative to what officials are looking for.
更安全的下一步
- Keep your hands relaxed and visible; let your words do the work.
- Ask what they're looking for and which rule is involved.
- Say clearly: "I don't consent, but I won't interfere."
- Write down who, what, when, and witnesses as soon as you can, and tell a parent or trusted adult that day.
Search rules differ by state and district, and searches involving police officers can require stronger justification.
Always tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult about a search the same day. If you believe it was unfair, they can raise it with the school in writing, and a legal aid organization can advise your family for free.
你可以联系的支持
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (在新标签页中打开)
关于言论、抗议、警察拦查、移民和学生权利的权利指南，还有受理投诉的各州分支机构。
- LawHelp.org (在新标签页中打开)
帮你查找所在州的免费法律援助项目，涵盖住房、家庭、学校、工作等方面。
本页的正文尚未翻译，因此以下内容以英文显示。上方的摘要、标签和安全信息已翻译。
想记住进度吗？可选的免费账户会保存你已完成的课程。 你的进度