Student Rights

A survey of the evolution of student rights, from children as property to free speech, prayer in the classroom, compulsory flag salutes, school searches, drug testing, and the right to equal education.

This fascinating survey provides a comprehensive introduction to student rights, tracing the legal status of children as their father's property to their current status as citizens entitled to constitutional rights. Written by Patricia Hinchey, Student Rights: A Reference Handbook chronicles the landmark legislation and court decisions that have enabled the gradual transformation of students' rights.

This book explains issues surrounding mandatory education and education as a property right, examines various inequities such as the segregation of minority students, and discusses bilingualism (notably the Ebonics, or Black English, controversy in Oakland, California). It describes the persistent tension regarding religion and education, and explores current controversies such as the widespread use of strip searches in schools by nonuniformed officials.

• Provides a chronology of selected legislation and Supreme Court cases from the Bill of Rights in 1791 to the 2000 ruling in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, which struck down a Texas high school policy allowing student-led prayers at football games
• Includes a diverse directory of organizations and Internet resources from the ACLU and Christian Coalition of America to the Internet Free Expression Alliance and the official Teen Rights home page