School Searches - Backpack / Person

[CeLe]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts

Hello. Today was the last day of school for seniors in my school. Some of them were pulling pranks and some decided to fill up water balloons with oil and break them on the floors of the school. Our school was than put into a "lockdown" and every person's backpacks and persons were searched.

Is this legal?

Thank you everyone in advance. If it is not legal, could you please provide references so I could print them out? Thanks!

 

[cmorris]

I don't know why it wouldn't be legal. The school has an obligation to provide a safe environment for students and staff. The only way to do so in this situation is to do a search.

If they hadn't done a search, someone would be on here wanting to know how to sue the school for not doing a search.

 

[CeLe]

Not sure

Well, because they did not have probable cause to search any of the student’s persons. I know in other states its legal; however, I thought Mass. had some special law regarding this. Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.

 

[PhiKappaPhi]

Searches

Lockers can be searched at any time as they are the property of the school. Schools here in TN have signs posted stating that cars and bags are subject to search. Schools are duty bound to maintain a learning environment. Oil balloons definitely do not foot the bill. The school can search provided the search is within the scope of looking for items related to the offense (ie, no strip searches or looking in places that realistically have no chance of producing oil cans and balloons).