February 1st 2026 Newsletter

1. Jasmine, 11th grade
   I was told I’d be suspended unless I handed over my phone and unlocked it. I didn’t know I could ask why, so I complied. Later, after learning my rights, I asked for a reason in a similar situation—and the request was dropped.

2. Ethan, 10th grade
   My employer told me I had to work through my break or lose my shift. I didn’t know breaks were required, so I stayed quiet. Once I learned the rule, I brought it up—and suddenly breaks were “never an issue.”

3. Luis, 12th grade
   I was accused of cheating and told there was nothing I could do about it. I didn’t know I had the right to explain myself, so the grade stayed. Later, I challenged a similar accusation and had it removed from my record.

4. Hannah, 9th grade
   I was told I couldn’t switch out of a class even though it made me uncomfortable. I thought I was stuck. After learning students can request schedule changes, I asked—and was moved within a week.

5. Marcus, 11th grade
   A teacher told me I couldn’t record notes or ask for written instructions. I struggled and fell behind. Later, knowing I could request accommodations, I spoke up and finally got the support I needed.

6. Aaliyah, 10th grade
   I was sent home for a dress code violation I didn’t think made sense. I didn’t know I could ask for the exact policy, so I missed a full day of school. Later, I asked to see the rule—and the same outfit was allowed.

7. Ryan, 12th grade
   I was told I had to sign a workplace agreement immediately or lose the job. I signed without reading it and regretted it later. At my next job, I asked for time to review the form—and caught a clause that would’ve cost me money.

8. Sofia, 9th grade
   I was questioned about an incident at school and felt pressured to answer everything right away. I didn’t know I could pause or ask for a parent. Later, knowing my rights, I handled a similar situation calmly and on my terms.

9. Devon, 11th grade
   My manager kept changing my schedule last minute and blaming me if I couldn’t come in. I thought that was normal. After learning my rights, I set boundaries—and the schedule stopped changing overnight.

10. Nina, 10th grade
    I was told I couldn’t appeal a disciplinary decision and that it would stay on my record forever. I didn’t question it. Later, once I knew appeals were allowed, I challenged a similar decision—and it was removed.