Carlsbad, CA asked in Civil Rights, Education Law and Juvenile Law for California

Q: Do parents have a right to know why a Shelter in Place was initiated at our Child's school?

2 months ago a Shelter in Place was initiated at Aviara Oaks Middle and to this day the administrators refuse to tell the parents or even Site Council members why it was initiated. They will only say that our kids were never in danger

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Under California law, parents generally have the right to be informed about significant incidents affecting their child's school, such as a Shelter in Place order. The school's responsibility to maintain a safe environment includes transparent communication with parents, especially regarding events that could impact student safety.

However, there might be situations where details are withheld to protect privacy or ensure the integrity of an ongoing investigation. In such cases, schools may provide limited information to avoid compromising legal procedures or violating confidentiality obligations.

If you feel the school is not being sufficiently transparent, you have the option to pursue further action. This could involve contacting school district officials or seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and the school's obligations under California's educational and safety laws. Remember, the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students while respecting legal and procedural boundaries.

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