September 1st Newsletter

1. Mia Torres

Last year, my school tried to make me stay after class for something I didn’t do. I remembered from our workshop that I had the right to ask for my parent to be there before answering questions about discipline. I politely said I wanted to call my mom first. They agreed, and it turned out they had the wrong person. Knowing my rights saved me from a detention that wasn’t mine.

2. Jayden Brooks

When my soccer coach told me I couldn’t wear my religious bracelet during practice, I remembered that students have the right to express their religion as long as it’s not dangerous. I explained this to him calmly and showed him the rule in our school handbook. He let me keep it on, and I felt proud for standing up for myself without making it a fight.

3. Ava Singh

A classmate posted something untrue about me online. I thought there was nothing I could do, but after learning about my rights, I knew I could report it to the school since it was harassment that affected my education. The school helped take it down. If I didn’t know my rights, I might have stayed quiet and let it get worse.

4. Carlos Ramirez

The principal once pulled me aside and started searching my backpack without asking. I remembered from our club that they need reasonable suspicion to do that. I respectfully asked why, and he explained. It turned out they mixed up locker numbers. We both laughed, but I was glad I knew I could ask the question.

5. Lily Chen

I wanted to start a small art group at school but was told clubs had to be “approved” for certain topics. I remembered learning that students have the right to start groups about any legal subject if other clubs are allowed. I brought this up, and they approved it. Now we meet every week.

6. Ethan James

During a traffic stop when I was in the car with my older cousin, the officer asked me questions directly. I remembered I had the right to stay silent and have a parent there if I was a minor. I politely said I’d rather wait for my mom. Nothing bad happened, but I felt confident because I knew what to do.

7. Sofia Martinez

My teacher once told me I couldn’t talk about a protest in class because it was “political.” I remembered that students can express opinions if it’s not disruptive. I explained that I was just answering a question and she let me continue. It felt good to speak up respectfully.

8. Noah Price

When I was given a detention I didn’t think was fair, I remembered I had the right to know exactly what rule I broke. I asked for the written policy, and it turned out there was a misunderstanding. The detention was removed.

9. Harper Lewis

I saw a friend get in trouble for recording something on her phone, but it was actually allowed in that situation. I stepped in and told her about the rule we learned. She talked to the vice principal, and they cleared it up.

10. Liam Patel

In the lunch line, a staff member skipped over me for no reason. I remembered that all students have the right to equal treatment. I spoke up politely, and they apologized and let me through. It was small, but it showed me how powerful it is to know your rights.