Student & Parental Rights in Public School Education

Student & Parental Rights
in Public School Education
An introduction to the topic. Actual policies are
specific to each state, school district and building.

Islamic Networks Group (ING)

COPYRIGHT (c) 2011, Islamic Networks Group (ING). All rights reserved. August 2011

Summary
Student Rights
Objective and neutral curriculum
Freedom of religious beliefs and practice
Freedom of speech
Freedom from harassment (safe learning environment)
Parental Rights
Partner in their child’s education
Safe learning environment for their children


Student’s First Amendment Rights
“Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the
freedom of speech, …”


Student Religious Freedom
„Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, …”

Right to be taught about, or exposed to, religion in
any form in an objective and neutral manner so
that the school, or any of its agents, is not
appearing to be promoting or denigrating any
religion.


National Curriculum Framework for
Social Studies & World History
Islam and other religions are taught in the context
of Social Studies and World History in grades 6th –
12th
Study of world religions and their contributions to
civilization
Study of world history, M.E., North Africa, Asia
Study of American history & role of religion
Cultural/holiday celebrations take place in
elementary schools
Cultural diversity education for teachers &
administrators are required in most states

ING Resources for the Study of Religion
http://www.ing.org
Interfaith Speakers Bureaus
Live panels of speakers from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism
and Hinduism on a variety of topics
Islamic Speakers Bureaus
Live presentations
• Getting to Know American Muslims and their Faith
• Islamic Contributions to Civilization
• Roots of Muslims in America
• Women in Islam
• Diversity Seminar: Understanding Muslim Students; Fostering an
Inclusive Environment
K-6th Kit for Teachers and Parents
Other online educational resources

Freedom of Religious Practice
“…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; “

Right to pray, fast, dress, take holidays off
Right to religious accommodation, within
reason
Right to organize religious club


Student’s Freedom of Speech
Student speech is protected by the First Amendment of the
United States Constitution. Thus, students have the right to
express themselves openly on school premises about matters of
social, political, and religious importance. However, students
may not express themselves in a way that causes a disruption
of, or interference with, the orderly conduct of school activities or
is inconsistent with the school's basic educational mission.
Teachers and administrators may also edit the style and content
of student speech at school assemblies, in the school
newspaper, in school theatrical productions, and in other school-
sponsored activities, where teachers and administrators have
legitimate educational concerns.
- Ann Arbor School District Policy


Harassment Policy
A student has a right to participate in all district activities without
being subjected to conduct that is discriminatory, humiliating,
demeaning, offensive or embarrassing.
Harassment refers to sexual harassment, as well as ethnic,
religious and general harassment.
Ethnic Intimidation and Harassment includes slurs, verbal
references, gestures and other behavior which tends to
demean, humiliate, intimidate and/or threaten others on the
basis of race, ethnic group or nationality.
Religious and General Harassment includes slurs, verbal
references, gestures, or other behavior which tends to demean,
humiliate, intimidate and/or threaten others on the basis of
creed, religion, or personal characteristics.
- Ann Arbor School District policy


Harassment Policy
A student should report incidences of harassment to the
building administrator with any supportive evidence that is
available. The principal will examine the evidence and, if
merited, speak directly to the person alleged to have harassed
the complainant. If proven, the building administrator will:
Have the offender sign a contract regarding appropriate
behavior toward the complainant, and/or
Refer the offender to an outside agency, and/or
Initiate suspension/expulsion procedures
This disciplinary action should be commensurate with the
behavior and the developmental level of the student.
- Ann Arbor School District policy


Hate Crime Law
Forty-five states have hate crime statues
Map documenting hate crime law state by state:
http://www.adl.org/learn/hate_crimes_laws/map_frameset.h
tml and http://www.adl.org/99hatecrime/provisions.asp
Michigan hate crime law: A person is guilty of ethnic/bias
intimidation if that person maliciously and with specific
intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that
person’s race, color, religion, gender, or national origin,
does any of the following:
Causes physical contact with another person
Damages, destroys, or defaces any real or personal property of another
person.
Threatens, by word or act, to do an act described in subdivision (a) or (b)...


Student Rights
Learn and study in a positive atmosphere for learning --
one that is unbiased, non-judgmental, and free from
prejudice, discrimination, verbal or physical threats and
abuse.
Expect that school rules will be enforced in a consistent,
fair and reasonable manner.
Discuss and receive assistance with educational concerns
from school staff
Receive a copy of student rights and responsibilities
Receive fair discipline without discrimination.


Student Responsibilities
Respect the rights, feelings, and property of fellow students,
parents, school staff, visitors, guests, and school neighbors.
Conduct themselves properly on school grounds, school
buses, at bus stops, at any school-related activity, and in the
classroom, so as not to interfere with the rights of another
student to learn.
Follow discipline guidelines adopted by the school and
district.
Ask questions to understand your rights and responsibilities.


Parental Rights


Parental Rights
“It is the natural, fundamental rights of parents to
determine, and direct the care, teaching and education of
their children. The public schools of this state serve the
needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil’s parents
to develop the pupil’s intellectual capabilities… in a safe
and positive environment” – Michigan Complied Laws
(Revised School Code, Section 380.10)


Parental Rights (continued)
“Parents are permitted to review curriculum, textbooks
and teaching materials of the school in which the pupil is
enrolled at a reasonable time and place. Parents are
permitted, within reason, to observe instructional activity
in a class in which the pupil is enrolled.” (Section
380.1137)


Parental Rights
Cooperation from the school to ensure their
child’s safe and positive learning environment
Request and be granted conferences with teachers,
counselors and/or the principal.


Complaint Procedures &
Disciplinary Policies
Complaint procedures and disciplinary policies are
specific to each school district and building. Find
out what the policies are.
Review the policies with school administrators if
they’re not clear to you.
Concern about a problem your child is facing
should be immediately and first expressed at the
point where the problem occurred.


Parent’s Responsibilities
Be partners with school staff by sharing ideas for
improving student learning and by helping to prevent
and/or resolve student discipline problems.
Parents are better known, respected and listened to if they actively
participate in school activities such as parent-teacher conferences,
parent-principal meetings, parent organization functions, open
houses, and extra-curricular activities.
Provide supervision for the student's health, physical and
emotional well-being. Address any problem your child is
facing. Don’t ignore it.
Encourage student compliance with school and district
rules.


Know Your Rights +
Take Responsibility =
Safer/Happier School Environment
for Students & Parents.
Thank you.


Student & Parental Rights in Public School Education

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