I am from Pennsylvania and have a question regarding the questioning of students by School Faculty. Brief background on situation:
Son was at a party on a weekend which was also attended by the State Police later on in the night. No citations where given at the party, nor have they been received one week later. Potentially soon as they wrap up investigation. The legal side is still up in the air.
School Faculty over the past week has been pulling kids out of the hall and bringing them into a room with 3-4 Faculty (Super, Princ, Vice Princ and/or Athletic Director). So 3 or 4 adults on 1 student (ages 16-18). They were questioned about this activity that occured on the weekend and off-school property, not only about thier participation, but others as well.
After discussing with my son and others, it is pretty consistent that all felt intimidated as they were pressured to answer about others or themself. Having 3-4 male adults, 2 of which are known to be of a bullying nature, pushing for answers to incriminate them and others.
NONE had the option to contact parent and/or legal council, nor where they read any rights, nor knew of them. They were just plucked from the hallway and in questioning for 5-20 minutes. I realize Miranda is not neccessarily applicable, but isn't the activity that I describe at least improper if not illegal? Are our Schools not self contained investigators, police, judge and jury?
All this was done to determine who was to be suspended from various programs, groups and sports teams as part of their policy.
Question is, do I or other parents have any legal grounds in addressing this tribunal atmosphere with our kids?
Thanks for your time and input!
Thadius
Son was at a party on a weekend which was also attended by the State Police later on in the night. No citations where given at the party, nor have they been received one week later. Potentially soon as they wrap up investigation. The legal side is still up in the air.
School Faculty over the past week has been pulling kids out of the hall and bringing them into a room with 3-4 Faculty (Super, Princ, Vice Princ and/or Athletic Director). So 3 or 4 adults on 1 student (ages 16-18). They were questioned about this activity that occured on the weekend and off-school property, not only about thier participation, but others as well.
After discussing with my son and others, it is pretty consistent that all felt intimidated as they were pressured to answer about others or themself. Having 3-4 male adults, 2 of which are known to be of a bullying nature, pushing for answers to incriminate them and others.
NONE had the option to contact parent and/or legal council, nor where they read any rights, nor knew of them. They were just plucked from the hallway and in questioning for 5-20 minutes. I realize Miranda is not neccessarily applicable, but isn't the activity that I describe at least improper if not illegal? Are our Schools not self contained investigators, police, judge and jury?
All this was done to determine who was to be suspended from various programs, groups and sports teams as part of their policy.
Question is, do I or other parents have any legal grounds in addressing this tribunal atmosphere with our kids?
Thanks for your time and input!
Thadius