Schools are where children are to prepare and learn for the future. But this is not always the case. There are threats to children’s safety in schools and sometimes, violation of their rights. As a parent, you need to ensure that your child gets the best education possible in the safest of settings so you might need to hire a lawyer to fight for your child. Here are some situations where you might need some legal help.
Bullying
Bullying is a pervasive presence in schools. But it is possible to stamp down on it, so it doesn’t hurt the well-being of students. However, neglectful schools might have their bullying problem go out of control. If your child is a bullying victim, you should be taking steps to help and protect them.
Your first step should be to listen to your child and show your support for them. Listen to what they say and be an active participant in discussions with them. This allows them to feel better about themselves and can cushion the blow of the bullying. Take steps to limit their social media access, too. This can be a major source of bullying and ensures that it doesn’t follow them home.
You also need to take solid steps against the bullying. The main one you should do is to make a formal complaint to the school. This alerts the school about the situation and gives them the responsibility to handle it. Additionally, talk with teachers and guidance counselors. To be safe, you should have this notification in writing. The last step should be pulling out your child and filing a lawsuit against the school. This is a regrettable step, but if the school is not taking action, then you should hold them responsible for what is happening. Some lawyers specialize in bullying cases, and they can help pursue legal claims against schools and bullies.
Freedom Of Speech and Religion
Students are people, and they have rights. One of these is the freedom of speech and religion, which they get from the First Amendment. However, this usually applies to public schools that expect to have children of all faiths present. Private schools have different rules. For example, certain schools like the Gilbert High School follow a curriculum ; that focuses on Christian teachings. Your child would benefit more if you agree with their belief system and curriculum.
But if you are sending your child to a public school, then know that all forms of religious expression is not practiced. This can be a bit difficult to determine since school support and religious teaching can be pretty close. Additionally, the freedom of speech and religion can conflict with the other protections that should be in the school. For example, students get protection from harassment. If a student acts in a hostile and homophobic manner because of their religion, then their freedom of expression goes against the school’s desires for a safe environment for other children.
If you feel that your child is not being treated fairly or suffers from prejudice because of religion, then you can resort to legal action. But this is a complex territory, and you may need to consult with your lawyer if you have a case. You may have to transfer your child rather than face a long legal case.
Disability Access
As a parent of a child with a disability, you want the best for your child. Part of this is having the best education possible. You should be able to send your disabled child to school with no worries. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, qualified children with disabilities should have access to public education. This includes giving them a specialized education program that will ensure that they learn to the best of their ability. Additionally, they should have a learning environment that is the least restrictive available, with maximum access. Laws also protect them from bullying and discrimination. If you feel that your local school is not doing enough for your child, then you should step up and consult with an attorney.
Disciplinary Policies
Schools focus on keeping children disciplined. While it is mainly to keep them safe, the disciplinary practices of some schools can be too harsh or even illegal. For example, students have a right to privacy, and schools doing unauthorized searches of bags can be a violation of this right. Schools that are too strict are just as much a problem as lax schools. Consult with a lawyer so that your family would understand the legal complications for your child.
As a parent, you’re the one who is more familiar with the rights a child has. If you think their rights have been violated, take action to the best of your ability. This can only ensure a better future for them.
