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Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Saint Paul Public Schools

Board of Education

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities


RIGHTS:
The rights of an individual are preserved only by the protection and preservation of the rights of others. A student is responsible for the manner in which his/her individual rights are exercised and must accept the consequences of any actions that are committed outside the boundaries of those rights. The staff, students, and parents must work cooperatively to avoid the extremes of regimentation on the one hand and anarchy on the other if the goal of establishing an optimal learning environment within the schools is to be realized.

 Rights bring responsibilities. The rights and responsibilities listed here are not all inclusive. Students have other rights guaranteed by the Constitution and by state and local laws. This statement of rights and responsibilities does not cover every situation that may arise.


THE RIGHT TO LEARN

 Each student has the right to attend school and gain an education as provided by law.

The right to learn also includes the right to a safe and challenging learning environment free of interruptions, disruptions, or distractions, whether inside the classroom or outside. Behavior which disrupts the normal functioning of classes is an infringement on others’ rights.

 A student who has been absent from school has the right to make up the work missed during any excused absence.

 When a student is absent from school for an extended period of time because of illness, the parent or guardian may request homebound services.

 A student/parent may apply for evaluation to determine eligibility for enrollment in special programs offered in the school district.

 Attendance at a particular public school is a privilege, not a right. (Minn. Stat. § 120A.36.)

 
THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH AND EXPRESSION
 
Students in the Saint Paul Public Schools represent a wide range and diversity of opinion and background. Students have the right to express opinions, to take stands, and to support causes, either publicly or privately, provided such expressions are not defamatory, vulgar or offense, or obscene, and do not interfere with the rights of others or disrupt the atmosphere for learning in the school.

Freedom of student expression is protected by the school.

 School-sponsored publications shall follow the rules for responsible journalism. Permission of the school principal is required for distribution of literature. The time and place for distribution will be limited according to established guidelines.

Notices containing information about events which will take place within the school area shall be posted in the place designated by the principal. All notices for events either inside school or outside shall be approved by the principal or a representative designated by the principal before posting.

 THE RIGHT REGARDING STUDENT DRESS

Students have the right to choose their manner of dress and personal grooming unless it presents a clear danger to the student’s health or safety, causes an interference with work, or creates classroom or school disorder. The school principal may mandate minimum standards of cleanliness and neatness. Students who attend schools that have adopted a school uniform requirement must follow the school’s uniform requirement.

 
THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL GOVERNMENT

The purpose and reason for the existence of student government is to represent and be responsive to the needs of students. Offices shall be open to all students. All students are allowed to vote for officers. The constitution of the Student Council shall define procedural matters governing terms of office, meeting times, method of conducting meetings, make-up of the representative body, and the purpose of the organization. Student Council has the responsibility to communicate with the student body, faculty, and the administration. A faculty member shall be assigned to advise the Student Council. Students have the right to be represented and to air grievances, problems, and concerns through legitimate channels provided by the schools. Each school is required to establish a procedure by which students may air grievances, problems or concerns. This procedure should be carried out with all deliberate speed.

 
THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF RULES

Students have the right to be informed of all policies, rules, and regulations they will be expected to follow. Copies of these rules governing the student standards of conduct shall be available in each school office, and the basic rules shall be published and distributed to all students and parents/guardians.

 
THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY

Students’ rights to privacy regarding school records will be protected and any disclosure of information from student records will be consistent with law.


THE RIGHT TO PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students have a right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects; however, they must refrain from bringing onto school property or to school-sponsored or school-associated events any material or item that would cause, or tend to cause, a disruption or endanger the health or safety of students or other persons. Items prohibited include, but are not limited to, stolen goods, weapons and look-alike weapons, and other illegal items. When reasonable suspicion exists to believe a student possesses prohibited items, general or individual searches may be conducted under the authorization of the principal or representative designated by the principal. Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure student privacy. Prohibited items may be seized by school authorities, and items that may be used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be removed from student possession.

 
SCHOOL LOCKERS

According to Minnesota law, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does SPPS relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school authorities must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials. (Minn. Stat. § 121A.72, subd. 1.)

 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Minnesota law requires all public schools to provide students the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week (unless the school board votes to waive this requirement). Anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so, and students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. (Minn. Stat. § 121A.11 subd. 3(b).)