Posted on 09/20/2006 5:14:15 AM PDT by Puppage
(New Haven-WTNH, Sept. 19, 2006 10:45 PM) _ A student's refusal to walk through a safety detector earns him a trip home.
For some the installation of metal detectors in schools is to better protect those inside.
One New Haven student is refusing to walk the walk, questioning whether his rights are being violated.
The district says it is like the right to enter a courtroom or get on a plane. It's new policy to keep young people safe.
For this New Haven student it's all about his fourth amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Nick Evans is getting a lesson in the legality of school policy.
The 16-year-old was sent home after refusing to walk through a metal detector and be searched as he entered Career High School.
"They haven't done this properly. There's not policy stating that I have to," says Evans.
The high school junior is challenging the New Haven District's recent decision to implement added security measures in the building last week.
"The handbook dictating district policy states they need reasonable grounds to search me."
No where in the handbook, he says, does it spell out anything about random searches or the use of metal detectors.
"I'd like to see them actually making this legal."
But a spokesperson for the District says the Superintendent has the right to make changes in what he considers to be emergency situations. The increased security comes after a violent summer in the Elm City and the deadly shootings of a 13-year old girl and boy.
"The Superintendent has the authority in the event of an emergency to enact directives and right here he believes it's important right now to expand what we are doing in terms of security for all students in the high school," says Susan Weisselberg, New Haven Public Schools.
The district admits it has no written policy on its latest measures but says that's about to change.
"We are adopting a formal policy. We will have the first reading by the Board of Ed Monday night," says Weisselberg.
For the schools, metal detectors and student searches are about keeping kids safe.
Nick Evans says he'll follow the policies as long as they are within the boundaries of the law.
"I would if it's a good sound legal policy. If they try to trample 4th amendments rights... ah getting shaky," says Evans.
Nick Evans says he will go to school tomorrow because he doesn't want to miss his classes, however he's plans to be vigilant in making sure the district follows through.
There is also no formal written policy for the use of metal detectors at Hill House or Wilbur Cross High School but the district says that will change too.
Nah, he lacks the nuance that is required to dismantle the rights of the citizenry.
But I can see the nuanced strategy of disconnecting the events of this country from the conversation by attempting to link a hated third party as the culprit.
It's a nice try, maybe you have the nuance to be the next in line to dismantle our rights. Ever thought about running for office?
You accidentally forgot the sarcasm tag at the end of your post because a FReeper would never call for abolishment of the 4th Amendment like that.
Your post is 100% accurate regarding how instructors need to come down on problem students like a ton of bricks. I was a good kid is school, spoke to the teachers with respect, played two varsity sports, and participated in two clubs. I was essentially unaware of the punishment mechanisms because they didn't enter my "world" at school. Doors weren't locked, there were no metal detectors, and students were not assumed to be violent-criminals-in-training by administrators. The only "violence" came from fisticuffs over boyfriends and girlfriends.
We all knew who the "bad" kids were as did the teachers and the moment they became disruptive, they were sent from class and escorted to In-School Suspension with the rest of the losers until the Vice-Principal could decide their fate. Let the administrators do their jobs and schools will start resembling schools again without this outrageous stripping of the Constitution that has been occuring the past few years. These kids need to be prepared to enter the real world someday.
~ Blue Jays ~
Nick Evans is a teenaged kid who no longer wishes to be pushed around by bullies. Your use of unwarranted vulgarity is crude.
Libertarian hogwash.
So what are your feelings towards random metal detectors set-up at shopping malls, supermarkets, movie theaters, coffee shops, community colleges, and a variety of other locations surrounding your home? Hey, it would improve your safety, right? You have nothing to hide...
~ Blue Jays ~
Student questions legality of metal detectors at school
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The fundamental question that needs to be asked is: "Are government schools themselves constitutional on a state and federal level?" The answer is, "No!"
Asking if metal detectors are constitutional is merely smearing the icing around the top of a constitutionally rotten cake.
The following is an excellent essay explaining why government schools are unconstitutional on a state and local level:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Stuter/stuter9.htm
I live in DC. I already deal with it at various buildings and even on the streets during certain holidays/events. No, it doesn't bother me.
"I'm not calling you a bootlicker..."
That's reassuring.
I'm not sure if you intended to respond to me or someone else. My only issue with the kid is that he is a child and the school administrators are the adults to whom his parents entrust him while he is at school. He should know his role.
Are minors entitled to the full scope of the BOR? I don't think so.
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The Bill of Right does NOT have a clause that says, "Except government school children and their parents!"
"Are you saying that public schools are Constitution-free zones?"
I am currently attending public high school. When asked, I was told that the Constitution doesn't apply on school property.
Please read my message #148.
You are completely correct. Government schools are dangerous prisons.
Unless the establishment powers-to-be are prepared to explain & defend such matters they're toast.
And forget what used to be all that was necessary to get everyone behind an idea, since it really doesn't exist any longer.
..."We hold these truths to be self evident."
Why does it not bother you that metal detectors are even required in public schools?
Why does it bother you more that a normal student might object to being treated like a criminal?
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Reason?
People that defend the government school are hard boiled frogs and past feeling.
I agree with a lot of your sentiment. I worked at a company (ESL) where a guy came in and shot and killed 7 of my co-workers. Metal detectors would not have stopped him!
On the other hand, I could see metal detectors deterring kids who are members of gangs that routinely carry guns or knives from routinely carrying their guns and knives to school.
You've hit nailed it perfectly!
It should bug everyone that we even think about metal detectors in schools.
We just pulled my daughters out of public elementary school. I was appalled by the behavior of the kids, and the lack of discipline by the staff. It was a new school for my daughters last year, and they hated it.
The school had all these programs about bullies. My daughters learned all sorts of ways of handling bullies. Most parents thought this was so great. I was appalled that my daughters were having to learn anything about bullies.
My daughters are in a small private Christian school this year, and they love it!!! They never talk about bullies because they don't need to.
My son is still in public. I need to get a job before we can afford to send him to private. He's in middle school, and I want him going to a private Christian high school.
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