In the United States every person has equal rights, except in schools where some students have different rights then others. The Supreme court said that public schools can limit certain rights that are in the first and fourth amendment. Private schools do not receive money from the government so they get to make their own rules.

Private schools can use corporal punishments when a student misbehaves whereas the majority of public schools cannot. This means that a student can be punished using force such as hitting, spanking with a paddle and pinching.

There are a lot of rules that public schools have to follow such as that you can’t force a student into saying the pledge or practicing a religion. Police can search anyone if there is probable cause. A teacher is allowed to do the same in a public school. If a teacher suspects that a student is cheating or bringing illegal weapons or drugs into school they can have their desk, locker, or even a bag searched. Teachers can search a locker if they believe that student is guilty.

If students interrupt class or use foul language the teachers have a right to give the student a punishment. Many state courts support no cellphones in class, these courts did this because students were getting distracted and they have a right to education without interruptions. Some public schools have a dress code but the majority of schools with dress codes are private schools. Even if some schools don’t have a dress code you can’t just wear anything you want.

Public schools can test a student for drugs if they participate in an extracurricular activity. The school is allowed to do this because they want a safe and drug free environment where students can succeed. The schools do not need permission from a parent or a guardian to do so.

I believe that students get rights taken away from them that are in the first and fourth amendment for their safety because they are young and don’t always know what’s best for them. I don’t agree with the corporal punishment that is still allowed. I do agree with most of the rights. I don’t agree with the corporal punishment because they are harmful to students and make for a not safe learning environment.