October 1 Newsletter
1. Jordan M. (16) – Wrongful Search at School
I was pulled out of class one afternoon by a school resource officer who said they needed to search my backpack because someone reported I had “something suspicious.” I didn’t know I had the right to say no unless they had reasonable suspicion. I didn’t even ask why—I just handed it over.
They went through everything and found a vape that wasn’t mine; someone had tossed it in my bag earlier as a joke. I got suspended for three days. If I had known my rights, I would have asked questions or told them I didn’t consent. Instead, I got in trouble for something I didn’t do.
2. Leila R. (15) – Social Media Trouble
I posted a video on my private account venting about my school. Nothing hateful, just frustration. The next day, I was called into the principal’s office and told I had violated the school’s “digital behavior policy.” I didn’t realize I had free speech rights outside of school grounds.
They made me delete the post and threatened to involve my parents. I was so scared I didn’t ask any questions. Later, I learned that unless it disrupts school operations, they legally couldn’t punish me for what I posted at home. But by then, it was too late.
3. Marcus T. (17) – Police Interaction Gone Wrong
A few friends and I were hanging out at a park when two officers approached us about a missing bike. They started asking questions, and I thought I had to answer everything. I didn’t know I had the right to remain silent.
I nervously told them where I’d been that day, but I guess I sounded suspicious because they brought me in “just to ask more questions.” My parents weren’t called until hours later. If I had known I could have asked for a lawyer or stayed silent, things might have gone differently.
4. Ariana S. (14) – False Confession Under Pressure
I was accused of cheating on a test. I didn’t do it, but when the teacher and vice principal pressured me during lunch—alone—I panicked. They kept saying, “Just admit it, and it’ll be easier.” I didn’t know I had the right to have a parent there or to not confess.
Eventually, I gave in and said I did it just to make it stop. I was suspended and failed the exam. When I told my mom later, she was furious. She said I never should’ve spoken to them alone. But I didn’t know any better.
5. Tyler C. (16) – Unlawful Locker Search
One morning, I walked into school and saw security going through my locker. No one told me why. I didn’t know they needed reasonable suspicion. I didn’t even get to see what they were looking for.
They claimed they were just doing “random checks.” But after that, people started spreading rumors that I was in trouble, even though I wasn’t. My reputation took a hit, all because I didn’t know I had the right to question what was happening.
6. Nina J. (17) – Dress Code Discrimination
I got pulled out of class for “violating the dress code” because I was wearing a tank top, even though guys in the same class were wearing sleeveless shirts. I didn’t realize that this could be gender discrimination.
I didn’t know I could challenge the policy or talk to a counselor about it. I just accepted the detention and felt ashamed. Later, I found out that schools can’t enforce dress codes that unfairly target one gender, but I never spoke up.
7. Zayn K. (15) – Detained Without Reason
After school, I was waiting for the bus when a cop asked me for ID. I asked why, and he said he didn’t need a reason. I thought that was true, so I handed it over and answered all his questions.
Later, someone told me I didn’t have to identify myself unless I was being detained or arrested. I felt humiliated and powerless. It made me realize how little I actually knew about my rights in public spaces.
8. Emily V. (16) – Misuse of Personal Data
Our school made us download a learning app, and I didn’t think much of it. Later, I realized it was tracking what we were doing even outside of class time. I didn’t know we had rights when it came to digital privacy.
I was so uncomfortable knowing someone might be reading my messages or seeing what I browsed. When I asked a teacher, they just said it was “policy.” I wish I’d known how to advocate for myself or ask what data was being collected.
9. Jamal B. (17) – Pressured Into a Search
At a party, a cop asked to search my car because we were parked near a loud house. I didn’t know I had the right to say no unless they had a warrant or probable cause. I thought refusing would make things worse.
He found a pocketknife in the glovebox and gave me a ticket, even though it was for camping. If I had known more about my rights, I might’ve avoided that whole situation. It made me realize how quickly things can escalate.
10. Sofia L. (15) – Silenced in Class
In history class, I challenged something in the textbook about immigration. The teacher told me to stop “getting political” and moved on. I didn’t realize students have free speech rights in school, especially during academic discussions.
I left feeling embarrassed and like my opinion didn’t matter. Later, I found out that I was totally within my rights to speak respectfully in class. I just didn’t know how to assert myself.
11. Kenny W. (16) – Signed Without Knowing
My school handed out forms about a new “student behavior contract.” I signed it without reading it, thinking it was just a regular form. Turns out, I’d agreed to a lot of things I didn’t understand.
When I got in trouble later, they used that form to justify a suspension. I didn’t know I could ask for time to review it or talk to my parents before signing. It taught me to never sign something without knowing what it means.
12. Isabel A. (17) – Denied a Phone Call
I was brought into the school office after a fight broke out, even though I wasn’t involved. When I asked to call my mom, they told me no. I thought that was normal.
They questioned me for 45 minutes, and I started crying. Later, I learned that I had the right to contact a parent, especially if I was being interrogated. But at the time, I just felt scared and stuck.
13. DeShawn R. (15) – Racial Profiling at the Mall
Security stopped me and two friends at the mall because “someone said” we looked like kids who stole from a store. I didn’t know what to say, so I just followed them to the back room.
We sat there for 20 minutes with no explanation. I later found out they had no evidence and probably profiled us based on race. If I had known my rights, I might have asked more questions or pushed back.
14. Grace M. (14) – Recording in School
I recorded a teacher yelling at a student because I thought it was wrong. I didn’t post it—just kept it on my phone. But when staff found out, I was told I broke school rules and could be expelled.
I didn’t know the laws around recording in schools or my state’s consent laws. I just thought I was protecting someone. If I’d been more informed, I could’ve handled it differently—and maybe even used it to report the situation properly.
15. Omar D. (17) – Forced Confession at School
When a classmate’s phone went missing, the assistant principal accused me because I’d been near their locker. I kept saying I didn’t do it, but after being questioned for nearly an hour, I said I might’ve “taken it by accident” just to end the interrogation.
They suspended me and told my parents I confessed. I didn’t realize I had the right not to incriminate myself or to have someone with me. I just wanted it to stop. That mistake cost me a ton of trust with my teachers and family.
